Halloween is almost here, and the air is filled with mystery and ghost stories. Have you ever wondered why, in an age dominated by science and technology, the belief in ghosts persists?
Before putting on those scary (and slightly ridiculous) masks, I invite you on a journey into the heart of the paranormal. Let's arm ourselves not with precious stones and amulets, but with data, research and a pinch of scientific skepticism. This article might change the way you view the scariest holiday of the year.
The sociological fascination of ghosts
According to a 2021 survey, of 1.000 American adults, 41% said they believed in ghosts and 20% said they had personally seen them. If these data are correct, we are talking about over 50 million encounters with spirits in the United States alone (but why, then, do these things always abound in the USA? Alright).
It is not uncommon to find surveillance videos showing small balls of light moving seemingly autonomously, or to hear noises and voices in empty spaces. But how much of this is actually evidence of the existence of ghosts? The tools used by “ghost hunters” seem scientific, but often they are not. Measurements are useless without precise knowledge of what you are measuring.
Science in search of evidence
In centuries of research, physics has found no evidence to support the existence of a type of energy or matter that could be classified as “ghosts.” And (I add “unfortunately”, my personal opinion) there is no evidence that any part of a person can continue to exist after death.
Not only physics, but also other scientific disciplines have tried to shed light on the enigma of ghosts. For example, a study titled “The science of ghosts: Searching for spirits of the dead” examines how scientific equipment has been used to search for evidence of the existence of ghosts, concluding that such evidence is still elusive.
Another interesting paper, “The ghost in the machine: Why and how the belief in magic survives in the rational mind”, explores the psychological reasons behind the persistent belief in ghosts and the paranormal, despite the lack of hard scientific evidence.
Also, the book “The believing brain: From ghosts and gods to politics and conspiracies—How we construct beliefs and reinforce them as truths” examines how the human brain is programmed to look for patterns and construct beliefs, even when these are not supported by empirical evidence.
So, if they're not ghosts, what are they?
Many of the experiences that people attribute to ghost encounters can be explained more plausibly. For example, the “orbs” in videos are often dust particles near the camera lens, and noises can come from external sources or structural problems in the location in question.
Virtually all ghost sighting experiences are influenced by factors that hinder accurate perception and judgment. We talk about bad lighting, heightened emotional states, sleep-related phenomena, social and cultural influences, misunderstandings about how recording equipment works, and the beliefs and personality traits of those who claim to have seen ghosts. Each of these elements has the potential to generate unforgettable ghost encounters, but it is crucial to take them into consideration when evaluating such experiences.
It is essential to remember that science offers more plausible explanations for phenomena that we often attribute to the paranormal. This doesn't mean we have to stop telling scary stories or enjoying the atmosphere of this day. It simply means that we can do it with a greater awareness of what is really possible and what is a fruit of our imagination.
I hope this article has provided you with a new perspective on such a fascinating and controversial topic. Happy Halloween everyone!
