Do you believe more and more people are getting into the paranormal?

[Frank Goad]

Do you believe more and more people are getting into the paranormal?

 

[George-ananda]

Yes, it has increased in my lifetime due to more exposure over cable TV and the internet.

 

[Mock Turtle]

In some countries, like the USA, they might be, but I'm more inclined to what is said in this article - and never having had anything that I could have construed as being of the paranormal:

Why It's Normal to Believe in the Paranormal

Although research fails to support the existence of the paranormal, beliefs in the paranormal are common. Psychology provides some interesting insights into who believes and why.

www.psychologytoday.com

 

[George-ananda]

In some countries, like the USA, they might be, but I'm more inclined to what is said in this article - and never having had anything that I could have construed as being of the paranormal:

I am on other internet forums where people share their personal experiences with things beyond the normal (paranormal). I think if everyone spent more time listening to more stories from more regular unknown people, the logical open-minded person would have to conclude that this reality can indeed be a strange place and 'paranormal' things do happen.

Probably the typical nonbeliever is not going to spend much time in these places so they will stay where they are at.

To me, logic tells me the chance of all these people lying or being mistaken with every strange occurrence just has to logically approach zero. Giving a very convincing story maybe only a 50/50 chance of really happening, if you have two stories the odds of both not happening becomes 25%. Three stories it becomes 12.5%. After extrapolating to millions of stories it's beyond reasonable doubt.

 

[The Hammer]

More? No. Acknowledging out loud because of the Internet. Maybe.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Do you believe more and more people are getting into the paranormal?

It certainly a vibrant cottage industry . A lot of people have fun buying trick flashlights, raido changing stations noise boxes , voice recorders, and going on these expensive bed and breakfast tours with their cameras and overpriced gadgets to catch a glimpse of their favorite ghost as seen and advertised on various TV reality shows like Ghost Adventures.

US Ghost Adventures - Hauntingly Fun Experiences

US Ghost Adventures offers entertaining, historic, and authentic ghost tours of the united states most haunted cities. We aim to deliver fun, yet honest...

usghostadventures.com

Lots of merchandise to buy too!

 

[George-ananda]

It certainly a vibrant cottage industry . A lot of people have fun buying trick flashlights, raido changing stations noise boxes , voice recorders, and going on these expensive bed and breakfast tours with their cameras and overpriced gadgets to catch a glimpse of their favorite ghost as seen and advertised on various TV reality shows like Ghost Adventures.

There is a cottage equipment and entertainment industry but I never let myself forget my main interest is what does this tell us about the nature of reality.

I am convinced spirits are out there.

That there is more than the physical is extremely important and perhaps the most important thing I know.

Watching another ghost haunting adventure has become irrelevant to me.

 

[Mock Turtle]

I am on other internet forums where people share their personal experiences with things beyond the normal (paranormal). I think if everyone spent more time listening to more stories from more regular unknown people, the logical open-minded person would have to conclude that this reality can indeed be a strange place and 'paranormal' things do happen.

Probably the typical nonbeliever is not going to spend much time in these places so they will stay where they are at.

To me, logic tells me the chance of all these people lying or being mistaken with every strange occurrence just has to logically approach zero. Giving a very convincing story maybe only a 50/50 chance of really happening, if you have two stories the odds of both not happening becomes 25%. Three stories it becomes 12.5%. After extrapolating to millions of stories it's beyond reasonable doubt.

Perhaps if more people understood psychology, and especially as to how the mind tends to work - as to the illusions and delusions often inhabiting such (via our vulnerable senses and patterns of thinking) - and the many other possible explanations that might account for paranormal experiences, instead of latching on to that which they might prefer to believe, then perhaps the paranormal experiences of many would not be passed on as being factual. Especially when there is no substantial evidence from science that these experiences exist as presented.

And you are simply using the ad populum argument - as to which many use when arguing that God must exist - since the majority believe such. I have actually looked at various supposed paranormal phenomena over the years (ghosts, NDEs, telepathy, precognition, etc.) and nothing has changed my opinion - since there is usually a better explanation for these occurrences. If any were true then science in my view would have discovered this long ago.

No amount of anecdotal information should change one's beliefs as to this especially if there is no substantial evidence to back up any claims - and in my view there just isn't. This besides the fact that if there were mechanisms as to how any of these operate then I would have thought these would be more common than they are - and provable as to such. A bit like the existence of alien UFOs.

 

[ChristineM]

I've said this before, this is a copy and paste from Do you think ghost sightings?And ufo sightings are going up or down?

I know a guy, he is an actor. He is atheist but he had a strong belief in ghosts.​

His agent phoned with a job to go on one of the ghost hunt type of programmes. He was overjoyed, he regularly watched the programme. To be in the program with genuine ghost and chances are he would actually see one was just fantastic for him.​

He arrived at the set, an old castle with a reputation for being haunted. Almost beside himself with anticipation he introduced himself and picked up his script, sat down and started learning his lines, not so many so no problems. When he realised that the ghost was also scripted to appear at the end of a corridor and my friend was supposed to gasp in shock he put down the script and walked out​

His belief in the supernatural shattered by reality​

So maybe more and more are watching these programmes and getting into the paranormal because of them. The reality is they are just scripted tv programs made for entertainment

 

[Aupmanyav]

Not in India. Their numbers are decreasing. However, the general religious superstition and belief in astrology remains strong.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Yes, it has increased in my lifetime due to more exposure over cable TV and the internet.

I agree that this one factor, but I also think there is more to it.

I am on other internet forums where people share their personal experiences with things beyond the normal (paranormal). I think if everyone spent more time listening to more stories from more regular unknown people, the logical open-minded person would have to conclude that this reality can indeed be a strange place and 'paranormal' things do happen.

In my opinion, people are drawn to the paranormal for two primary reasons: first, they are simply curious about what will happen to them and to others after they die, and second, they have had a personal encounter with something paranormal that they could neither rationally explain nor debunk, so they are genuinely searching for an explanation in order to make sense of this amazing, life-changing encounter. The latter is true for me. It is the primary reason why I began researching and investigating paranormal phenomena back in August of 2007. In the 17 years since then, I've purchased a substantial assortment of ghost-hunting equipment (both basic and high-tech) and have traveled across the country to investigate both well-known and suspected haunted locations. I will always remember the exact reason for what inspired and prompted me to embark on my own journey to find answers to explain the paranormal phenomena I've been experiencing since I was a small child. I can honestly say that it has been one hell of a journey that has not only had a significant impact on my own life but also on the lives of my husband and children. It has truly changed our lives, but we are accustomed to it now.

Probably the typical nonbeliever is not going to spend much time in these places so they will stay where they are at.

I strongly believe in "seeing is believing" when it comes to skeptics acknowledging that there is something beyond what their physical eyes can see. I've seen this happen more times than I can count, both as a paranormal investigator and spirit medium, as I've discussed in other posts, such as this one.

To me, logic tells me the chance of all these people lying or being mistaken with every strange occurrence just has to logically approach zero. Giving a very convincing story maybe only a 50/50 chance of really happening, if you have two stories the odds of both not happening becomes 25%. Three stories it becomes 12.5%. After extrapolating to millions of stories it's beyond reasonable doubt.

I, for one, am pleased that belief in the paranormal, such as in ghosts and hauntings, has become more acceptable and common in today's society. In my previous post, I demonstrated how the negative stigma associated with believing in the paranormal has significantly deceased over the last 20 years or so. I think that this is a positive step in the right direction, and I hope that it continues to decease as time passes. I also think it's a postive change for society.

Real or not?

I tend to believe that someone can be 'closed-minded' about subjects like 'spirits'. I believe that too. I think it's because most people, whether religious or otherwise, learn from a young age not to believe in spirits. Many parents teach their children that spirits aren't real and are only...

www.religiousforums.com

There is a cottage equipment and entertainment industry but I never let myself forget my main interest is what does this tell us about the nature of reality.

I don't let the cottage equipment and entertainment industry entralled with paranormal shows deter me either. It doesn't even deter me when so-called investigators in one of these shows are caught faking evidence while allegedly investigating a haunted location. Of course, this saddens and upsets me just as when someone is caught faking being a spirit medium. It is a sad truth that I and others in the paranormal field must deal with, but it can also damage our own credibility until we prove ourselves to be authentic. And in my opinion, just because someone either fakes evidence in a paranormal TV show or fakes being a spirit medium does not mean that there is not sufficient evidence of authentic paranormal phenomena or psychic mediumship elsewhere.

I am convinced spirits are out there.

So am I. Personally, I am convinced because of what I've experienced with them since I was a small child. After undergoing three cranial CT scans (the third just last week) and a psychiatric evaluation, and having previously been thoroughly evaluated by three psychologists and two therapists (and currently seeing another therapist), I am more than confident that what I've experienced with earthbound spirits is real. Not to mention that many of my interactions with them were confirmed by others who also witnessed them, some of whom I've never met before or have seen again. My first memorable interaction with a spirit happened when I was six years old, but I have vague memories of interacting with them when I was four and five. Some spirits would wave at me, and I happily waved back at them, prompting my parents or other relatives to ask me who I was waving at. I'm 51 now, so that's more than 45 years worth of personal interactions with earthbound spirits. As I've previously stated, I've shared many of my encounters with them on this forum, but honestly, I've barely scratched the surface of everything I've experienced with them during my lifetime. I have more stories than I could ever share on this forum.

That there is more than the physical is extremely important and perhaps the most important thing I know.

I agree.

Watching another ghost haunting adventure has become irrelevant to me.

I still watch some paranormal TV shows every now and then.

My top three favorites are Ghost Hunters, Kindred Spirits, and Paranormal Caught on Camera.

 

[George-ananda]

Perhaps if more people understood psychology, and especially as to how the mind tends to work - as to the illusions and delusions often inhabiting such (via our vulnerable senses and patterns of thinking) - and the many other possible explanations that might account for paranormal experiences, instead of latching on to that which they might prefer to believe, then perhaps the paranormal experiences of many would not be passed on as being factual. Especially when there is no substantial evidence from science that these experiences exist as presented.

Well, that's why I mentioned I am on other forums and have read story after story. I have never heard a satisfactory 'psychological/illusion/delusion' argument that seems to cover the experiences of so many. Actually, the more parsimonious answer becomes things happen beyond science's current understanding. And there seems more to reality than the three three-dimensional physical world of our physical senses and instruments (science's domain).

If after hearing enough evidence (anecdotal, investigative, experimental) someone believes all the paranormal can be dismissed as non-existent with 'psychological/illusion/delusion' explanations then we just flat out have to disagree.

If any were true then science in my view would have discovered this long ago.

Just remember the majority of the universe is not directly detectable by science at this time (per science). We are still at the point where observation (of unusual phenomena) can precede scientific understanding. That is what I believe is occurring.

No amount of anecdotal information should change one's beliefs as to this especially if there is no substantial evidence to back up any claims - and in my view there just isn't. This besides the fact that if there were mechanisms as to how any of these operate then I would have thought these would be more common than they are - and provable as to such. A bit like the existence of alien UFOs.

I believe the preponderance of evidence does argue for these things not understood by science. Unless perhaps one takes the illogical position that science already knows what it doesn't know. At this stage, observation can precede understanding. I am one of the billions that I believe can make sane observations while considering all the possible inside-the-box psychological/illusion/delusion explanations.

(I do also believe in alien UFO's too btw)

 

[Mock Turtle]

Well, that's why I mentioned I am on other forums and have read story after story. I have never heard a satisfactory 'psychological/illusion/delusion' argument that seems to cover the experiences of so many. Actually, the more parsimonious answer becomes things happen beyond science's current understanding. And there seems more to reality than the three three-dimensional physical world of our physical senses and instruments (science's domain).

I think there is more to reality than we currently know - especially as to quantum physics - and as to such I will probably never know before I die but I still have to leave this lack of knowledge on the shelf rather than simply accept the experiences of others as described - given that there still might be explanations coming not involving anything of the paranormal. As with religious beliefs, in my view, many are incidentally groomed into believing by concentrating on such material that reinforces a belief rather than concentrating on the other possible explanations.

If after hearing enough evidence (anecdotal, investigative, experimental) someone believes all the paranormal can be dismissed as non-existent with 'psychological/illusion/delusion' explanations then we just flat out have to disagree.

I don't have any preferences as to this but simply have not come across enough evidence to persuade me - and I would naturally tend towards any scientific explanations as to this, but where none are coming.

Just remember the majority of the universe is not directly detectable by science at this time (per science). We are still at the point where observation (of unusual phenomena) can precede scientific understanding. That is what I believe is occurring.

Fair enough but this is not what I am seeing. I could counter this with so many people all around the world still believing in nonsense.

I believe the preponderance of evidence does argue for these things not understood by science. Unless perhaps one takes the illogical position that science already knows what it doesn't know. At this stage, observation can precede understanding. I am one of the billions that I believe can make sane observations while considering all the possible inside-the-box psychological/illusion/delusion explanations.

I'm not here to persuade you otherwise - just to put my beliefs as to such and my experiences.

(I do also believe in alien UFO's too btw)

Well, your choice, but as with religions and the paranormal, we could make up any amount of explanations as to what any aliens might be doing if they did exist. Still too many reasonable explanations as to misinterpretations though.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Well, that's why I mentioned I am on other forums and have read story after story. I have never heard a satisfactory 'psychological/illusion/delusion' argument that seems to cover the experiences of so many. Actually, the more parsimonious answer becomes things happen beyond science's current understanding. And there seems more to reality than the three three-dimensional physical world of our physical senses and instruments (science's domain).

If after hearing enough evidence (anecdotal, investigative, experimental) someone believes all the paranormal can be dismissed as non-existent with 'psychological/illusion/delusion' explanations then we just flat out have to disagree.

Just remember the majority of the universe is not directly detectable by science at this time (per science). We are still at the point where observation (of unusual phenomena) can precede scientific understanding. That is what I believe is occurring.


I believe the preponderance of evidence does argue for these things not understood by science. Unless perhaps one takes the illogical position that science already knows what it doesn't know. At this stage, observation can precede understanding. I am one of the billions that I believe can make sane observations while considering all the possible inside-the-box psychological/illusion/delusion explanations.

(I do also believe in alien UFO's too btw)

While I value science for improving our understanding of the physical world, I doubt that it will ever be able to explain anything metaphysical, such as earthbound spirits and other entities. I also doubt that scientific research will ever be able to rationally explain or debunk the supernatural phenomena that I believe occur in the physical world. However, if science does eventually discover a scientific explanation for spirits, I wonder if skeptics will accept it and stop denying their existence. I'm not sure. Finally, I've suggested these articles in previous posts, but I thought I'd mention them again in this one.

Why Skeptics Can't Prove Ghosts Don't Exist

Hospice nurse shares the one thing 'almost everyone' sees before they die

My Patients Tell Me They've Had A Paranormal Experience. I Believe Them — I Had One Too.

It's Not True That Science Won't Ever Be Able To Explain The Existence Of Ghosts... If Indeed They Do

 

[George-ananda]

I don't have any preferences as to this but simply have not come across enough evidence to persuade me -

I have to wonder how earnestly you want to look, as a lot of this comes down to entrenched positions that are pretty well impervious to new information and argumentation.

To me the existence of phenomena colloquially called paranormal is established beyond reasonable doubt from millions of cases. Next comes the understanding of how these things work and I believe there are some with strong explanatory models that I seriously consider. I think the key missing link between science and the paranormal are additional planes of nature beyond our physical senses and instruments. And I believe more sensitive people like Sgt. Pepper in this discussion can psychically sense things that are not of our familiar physical plane.

 

[George-ananda]

While I value science for improving our understanding of the physical world, I doubt that it will ever be able to explain anything metaphysical, such as earthbound spirits and other entities. I also doubt that scientific research will ever be able to rationally explain or debunk the supernatural phenomena that I believe occur in the physical world. However, if science does eventually discover a scientific explanation for spirits, I wonder if skeptics will accept it and stop denying their existence. I'm not sure.

I actually am very hopeful science of the not-so-distant future will accept and explain these spiritual things we now call paranormal.

I think the basic missing link between today's science and the paranormal is additional planes of nature beyond the physical. Right now, science can only tell us about the physical plane and is incomplete and is too much in a state of denial that there is more as evidenced by paranormal events. I am hopeful for the future of science.

And I have come to believe more sensitive people like yourself can psychically sense things that are not part of the physical plane.

 

[Mock Turtle]

I have to wonder how earnestly you want to look, as a lot of this comes down to entrenched positions that are pretty well impervious to new information and argumentation.

Some things one has a look at during one's life, makes an assessment, and then moves on, given there is often a limited amount of information and not much new to ponder. This goes for the paranormal, UFOs, and religions, amongst some others perhaps. Now I tend to look at areas where new knowledge is forthcoming - given it just takes away time on these if one has to go back over old material. I know I might be wrong over anything but I'm willing to live with this. As I've said, if there is anything to the paranormal I am reasonably sure that science would have discovered such by now. The internet of course tempts one but also possibly makes the information even less reliable.

To me the existence of phenomena colloquially called paranormal is established beyond reasonable doubt from millions of cases. Next comes the understanding of how these things work and I believe there are some with strong explanatory models that I seriously consider. I think the key missing link between science and the paranormal are additional planes of nature beyond our physical senses and instruments. And I believe more sensitive people like Sgt. Pepper in this discussion can psychically sense things that are not of our familiar physical plane.

Fine, but when you have convinced the scientists, who I would hide behind, then all the people experiencing whatever phenomena are just numbers to me - as are those who believe various conflicting religions, in UFOs, and in YEC nonsense, for example. I will be quite sure to apologise for my mistakes as to erroneous beliefs if and when such comes.

 

[George-ananda]

Some things one has a look at during one's life, makes an assessment, and then moves on, given there is often a limited amount of information and not much new to ponder. This goes for the paranormal, UFOs, and religions, amongst some others perhaps. Now I tend to look at areas where new knowledge is forthcoming - given it just takes away time on these if one has to go back over old material. I know I might be wrong over anything but I'm willing to live with this.

Now, I look at the paranormal evidence and come to the opposite conclusion; that dramatic things do occur that have no reasonable normal explanation.

Here's a thought experiments that we will never have enough time to actually perform. Let's go through a hundred seemingly compelling cases for the paranormal (including physical events and multiple witnesses) and discuss them and the likelihood of some normal explanation. And then at the end we'll ask the question 'what are the chances that all of them are 'normal'?'.

Fine, but when you have convinced the scientists, who I would hide behind, then all the people experiencing whatever phenomena are just numbers to me - as are those who believe various conflicting religions, in UFOs, and in YEC nonsense, for example. I will be quite sure to apologise for my mistakes as to erroneous beliefs if and when such comes.

At this point in time, it is fair to say that science must remain neutral to the various types of alleged paranormal phenomena. There are scientists that believe and scientists that disbelieve and many that are unsure.

And empirical science is restricted to things that can be directly detected by the physical senses and instruments. How can it know about things beyond its current domain or if there are things beyond its current domain?

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

(I do also believe in alien UFO's too btw)

I also believe in alien UFOs. That said, I don't want to divert the thread with a side discussion about UFOs/UAPs, but I'd like to mention a couple of things to you about them. First, I recommend watching the film "The Phenomenon" if you haven't already and a new docuseries on Netflix called "Investigation Alien." Second, if you're interested, you can read my previous post here, where I further explain what I believe about UFOs/UAPs (with additional links).

 

[Mock Turtle]

Now, I look at the paranormal evidence and come to the opposite conclusion; that dramatic things do occur that have no reasonable normal explanation.

Here's a thought experiments that we will never have enough time to actually perform. Let's go through a hundred seemingly compelling cases for the paranormal (including physical events and multiple witnesses) and discuss them and the likelihood of some normal explanation. And then at the end we'll ask the question 'what are the chances that all of them are 'normal'?'.

And if the same non-paranormal explanation can be found then most will disappear. People in general are just not reliable sources of information.

At this point in time, it is fair to say that science must remain neutral to the various types of alleged paranormal phenomena. There are scientists that believe and scientists that disbelieve and many that are unsure.

And empirical science is restricted to things that can be directly detected by the physical senses and instruments. How can it know about things beyond its current domain or if there are things beyond its current domain?

Still many more scientists who just don't accept paranormal explanations though. And nowadays, many more ways to deceive humans