Why Do Some People See 'Ghosts'? Decoding Science Behind Paranormal Activities

Have you ever encountered ghosts or supernatural phenomena in life? While most of us have grown up listening to ghosts stories from our friends or elders, it seems an overwhelming majority of people still believe in the idea of 'ghosts' even after growing up as adults.

As per a study, 45% Americans believe in the existence of ghosts. Among them, 18% will go ahead and say they have had "contact with a ghost". This comes even after us not having a single scientific evidence for the existence of super natural beings.

While the sensation of encountering a 'ghost' can be quite unsettling, science can offer several rational explanations for these experiences which can vary from tingling sensation on the back of your neck to feeling the eerie presence of 'someone' being with you in a quiet room.

Here are a few possible scientific reasons for feeling paranormal activities around you:

Low frequency sound

Human ears typically cannot hear sounds below ~20 Hertz, known as infrasound, but these sounds can still affect us. Studies have shown that exposure to infrasound can cause feelings of uneasiness, sorrow, chills, and fear.

Natural sources like earthquakes, volcanic activity, and animal communication, as well as human-made sources such as diesel engines and wind turbines, can also produce infrasound.

Likewise, sounds above ~20,000 Hertz - known as ultrasonic - are too high-pitched for human ears to hear them, like the echolocation calls made by bats.

Mold

Toxic mold can negatively impact respiratory health and brain function, leading to symptoms such as delirium, dementia, and irrational fears. 'Haunted houses', often in disrepair, may harbor mold, potentially linking mold exposure to ghost sightings. Though this connection remains mostly anecdotal, it is a plausible explanation.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause hallucinations, feelings of pressure on the chest, and a sense of dread. An infamous ghost story from the 1920s about a haunted house in the US turned out to be the result of carbon monoxide poisoning from a broken furnace, illustrating how this gas can create a supernatural experience.

The power of suggestion

As per American astrophysicist Dr Sabrina Stierwalt, belief in paranormal experiences can be reinforced by others' accounts. This social reinforcement makes us more likely to accept and believe in ghost sightings. The influence of suggestion is evident in activities like using a Ouija board, where participants often unknowingly move the planchette, creating a shared belief in a supernatural presence.

Drafts in your room

Drafts can create cold spots and cause doors or objects to move, mimicking ghostly activity. Changes in air flow, especially through open windows or chimneys, can lead to these occurrences. Ensuring windows are closed can help debunk these eerie sensations.

We 'enjoy' being scared

Fear triggers the release of dopamine, a pleasure-associated chemical in the brain. The amount of dopamine and the sensitivity of dopamine receptors vary among individuals, influencing whether someone enjoys being scared.

For some, the thrill of imagining ghosts may be linked to this pleasurable chemical response. Additionally, the belief in ghosts can offer comfort by suggesting an existence after death, despite the associated fear.

These scientific explanations provide a rational perspective on experiences often attributed to the supernatural, helping us understand the complex interplay between our environment, our senses, and our beliefs.

Henceforth, enjoy the ghost stories if you get to hear any, but never take them seriously. Always use your rationale. And remember, your mind is pretty much capable of playing games with you.

Hey! What's that behind you? (Boo!)