Could There Be Scientific Backing Behind the Supernatural?

Everyone loves to be a little scared sometimes. We watch horror movies late at night, tell scary stories and even go to haunted houses on Halloween. Ghosts, ghouls and monsters provide quality entertainment. But are supernatural beings just myths?

 If you do believe in ghosts, you’re not alone. According to The Scientific American,  “...around 45% of Americans believe in ghosts and as many as 18% of people will go so far as to say they have had contact with a ghost.” Many researchers believe that the supernatural could be backed by science, carrying out experiments to test different theories. 

These “ghost hunters” are not like what we see on TV. They don’t carry around big, flashy tools or fight creators of darkness. Tools such as infrared cameras and sensitive microphones that can record Electronic Voice Phenomena (mysterious voices heard in recordings that were not heard when the recording was made) and more are commonly used to record scientific data. The most common theory is that ghosts are made of energy. Spikes in temperature and fluctuations in magnetic fields are often cited as evidence of paranormal activity. However, since the characteristics of paranormal entities are unknown, most information collected cannot be considered solid evidence.

Many psychologists have theories about what leads to supernatural myths and folklore repeatedly showing up in cultures throughout the world. Some hypothesize that believing in the supernatural can help shield ourselves from the harsh realities of life. When we are faced with painful, unexpected experiences, such as death or disaster, our brain naturally attempts to look for answers. We can find comfort in the supernatural. For example, when someone we love passes away, it is easy for grief to trick our brains into believing we are seeing strange patterns or occurrences. We may believe we are seeing the ghost of said loved one. There is also a sense of comfort brought on by believing there is life after death. 

Other psychologists believe that we simply enjoy being afraid. When we are scared, our brain releases dopamine, a chemical that causes a feeling of pleasure. How much dopamine is released and the number of receptors for it varies from person to person, explaining why some enjoy being frightened more than others. According to Dr. Sabrina Stierwalt, a professor of astrophysics at California Institute of Technology, “...for some, letting our imaginations run wild with the possibilities of cohabiting with ghosts, although scary, may also produce a bonus euphoric high.” 

While many scientists are firm deniers of the supernatural, some consider it a branch of science. After all, what is the supernatural if not scientific discoveries that have not yet been made? But whether you are a believer or not, all information on this topic should be taken with a grain of salt. Especially since many believe that salt can spiritually cleanse an area, getting rid of dark forces.