26/05/2024
Why do people see ghosts?
Do you believe in ghosts? If so, have you ever had a sighting? If your answer is "yes" to both questions, you are not alone. In reality, several surveys have found that the majority of participants believe in ghosts, with a considerable percentage claiming that they have encountered them.
Our belief in supernatural phenomena dates back centuries. Throughout history, humanity has turned to the esoteric for meaning, and continues to do so. However, while many individuals claim to have had paranormal encounters, science also provides some insight into the matter.
Explore the gallery below to discover the scientific explanations behind why people see ghosts.
Supernatural beliefs
Approximately 75% of Americans hold at least one belief related to the paranormal, according to a study.
Survey
In October 2018, Grupon commissioned a survey revealing that more than 60% of respondents claimed to have encountered a ghost.
Power of suggestion
Some people think they see apparitions because of their expectations and beliefs. If they're told that they're in a haunted place, they become more susceptible to a supernatural encounter.
In 1997, a research was carried out by placing 22 individuals in an eerie theater. Half of the participants were informed about the alleged haunting, while the other half were informed about ongoing construction. Can you predict which group experienced or saw any paranormal phenomena?
The group that was told they were in a haunted theater were the ones who experienced supernatural phenomena.
Brain issue
It's theorized that individuals experiencing encounters with ghosts may have a brain dysfunction. During an examination of a woman's epileptic seizures, a neurologist discovered that stimulating a specific area of her brain caused her to sense a presence behind her, imitating her own movements.
The God Helmet
Originally named the "Koren Helmet," this device utilizes magnetic signals to stimulate the brain. Designed to examine religious and mystical encounters, it reportedly has the potential to induce paranormal experiences.
According to reports, a few individuals claimed to have experienced visions of God throughout the experiment, while others sensed a presence and encountered other supernatural forces.
Under pressure
A study found that stress can lead women to share paranormal experiences. Traumatic stress was connected to occurrences like possession and extra-sensory perception.
Frequencies
Perhaps ghosts could be explained as extremely low sound frequencies, known as infrasounds, that fall below the range of audible perception for humans.
Infrasounds
These frequencies can induce physical and emotional responses similar to supernatural encounters.
Mildew
Certain types of mold found in haunted spooky places can induce hallucinations, affecting balance and coordination, adding an eerie touch to the environment.
Grief effect
Individuals who have experienced the loss of loved ones have shared encounters where they were visited by these departed individuals. These apparitions can be seen as a way for the mourning mind to cope.
Maybe it’s just a draft
Cold spots in a house are often associated with paranormal activity. However, it is important to note that a sudden temperature drop in a particular area does not always indicate a ghostly presence.
The feeling of coldness in a particular area may be caused by changes in humidity, a drafty window, or a chimney.
A study discovered that ghostly occurrences were regularly reported in recognized "haunted" areas. However, environmental elements like magnetic fields and lighting levels may also be responsible.
Carbon monoxide exposure
During the 1920s, the Journal of Ophthalmology published a case study that recounted a couple's account of experiencing supernatural phenomena in their residence. However, further investigation determined that they were actually hallucinating due to a carbon monoxide leak originating from their furnace.
Exploding head syndrome
Exploding head syndrome occurs when a person hears a loud noise, often while in the process of falling asleep or waking up.
This occurs because the section of your brain that is supposed to make your body relax and go to sleep becomes somewhat confused, resulting in the opposite effect and making you feel awake instead.
The loud explosion you heard was not an attempt by a ghost to destroy your home, but rather a result of your brain being slightly out of sync.
Sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis often leads to paranormal encounters, occurring when individuals are in a dream-like state, halfway between waking up and still unable to move. It can cause confusion and fear.
Paranormal occurrences are occasionally shared during this state of partial awareness. However, in reality, it is most likely a dream.
Orbs
The scientific explanation can shed light on the alleged spiritual orbs that many individuals believe in.
If not photographic evidence of spirits, what are these orbs then? Well, they can be a number of things, including dust, pollen, insects, moisture, or even just a dirty camera lens.
Sometimes, we just want to believe
The idea of ghosts brings comfort when confronting death, and provides a perspective to make sense of our place in the world.
