The phenomenon of seeing ghosts may be influenced by storytelling, electromagnetic fields, infrasound, or hallucinations caused by exposure to toxins.
Approximately 38% of people worldwide believe in the existence of ghosts and report having seen one, according to International Business Times. The term “ghost” is commonly used to refer to the spirit of a deceased person or entity, and the concept of “haunting” may encompass feelings of an entity’s presence, witnessing moving objects, or seeing a spirit in motion. Neil Dagnall, an associate professor of Applied Cognitive Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, offers the three most common explanations for why people see ghosts.
Influence of Storytelling
Hearing about a haunted location makes it easier for a person to perceive ghosts there. According to Dagnall, in one study, volunteers visited five main areas of a theater before filling out a questionnaire assessing their emotions and perceptions. Prior to the tour, one group of volunteers was told that the theater was haunted, while the other group was informed that the theater was undergoing renovations. As a result, the first group reported experiencing more stress.
The phenomenon of seeing ghosts can be influenced by storytelling or environmental factors. (Illustrative image: Mirror).
The impact of storytelling also varies depending on individual beliefs. Those who believe in the existence of ghosts are more susceptible to influence than skeptics.
Electromagnetic Fields and Frightening Sounds
Another explanation for the phenomenon of seeing ghosts is the impact of environmental factors such as electromagnetic fields and infrasound. Canadian neuroscientist Michael Persinger demonstrated that using electromagnetic fields at various levels in the temporal lobes of the brain can create haunting experiences, such as seeing ghosts or feeling a ghostly touch.
Similarly, infrasound, sound frequencies below the human hearing threshold, also helps explain the phenomenon of seeing ghosts. Some studies have found a correlation between infrasound waves and feelings of unease. In one study, researchers broadcast infrasound during a musical performance, and the audience was later asked to describe their reactions while listening. Many reported feeling chills, anxiety, fear, discomfort, or melancholy at the time the infrasound was played.
Hallucinations from Toxins
Perception of supernatural forces may also arise from reactions to toxins such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and pesticides. Shane Rogers and colleagues at Clarkson University in the U.S. observed many similarities between mystical experiences and hallucinations caused by mold spores. This may explain why ghost sightings often occur in old, damp buildings with poor ventilation.
