Do you believe in ghosts?

[saor]

One shouldn’t place their bets on some rando's personal experiences when solid science is on the table. There’s a wealth of scientific reasoning behind those spine-chilling sensations.

First off, our brains are adept pattern detectors, even in the most innocuous shadows. This phenomenon, known as pareidolia, means if you think you’ve seen a ghost, it’s likely just your brain misinterpreting random stimuli as something significant. For those curious, pareidolia is the reason why you might see faces in clouds or Jesus in a piece of toast—our minds are hardwired to recognise patterns, even where there are none.

Next up, infrasound—the low-frequency vibrations you can’t hear but definitely feel. These vibrations, often below 20 Hz, can induce feelings of discomfort or even lead you to see things that aren’t there. Infrasound can be caused by natural phenomena like earthquakes or man-made sources such as engines and large machinery. Pair this with the usual creaky floors and household noises, and it’s no wonder some people feel their homes are haunted.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are another contender. High levels of EMFs, emitted by electronic devices and power lines, can affect your body in various ways. Some research suggests that strong EMFs might cause dizziness, a sense of unease, or even physical discomfort. People who are already inclined to believe in ghosts might interpret these sensations as supernatural occurrences. If you're keen to explore this, look into how EMFs interact with biological systems—it's a fascinating, albeit complex, topic.

And let’s not overlook sleep paralysis, a phenomenon where you’re awake but unable to move, often accompanied by vivid and frightening hallucinations. Sleep paralysis occurs due to a disruption in the transition between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness. During REM, the body experiences muscle atonia, a protective state where the muscles are immobilised to prevent acting out dreams. When this mechanism is interrupted, you may feel conscious but trapped, leading to intense, often terrifying experiences.

Cultural and social factors play their part too. If you’re already primed to believe in ghosts, you’re more likely to see them in ambiguous situations. Cultural beliefs, religious traditions, and societal influences can add layers of ‘woo-woo’ to everyday experiences, framing them within the supernatural.

So, while ghost stories can be a lot of fun, the scientific explanations are grounded in what we currently understand. The supernatural remains firmly in the realm of fiction—no matter how thrilling the stories might be.

And yet not a single thing you just posted accounts for ghost sightings? Pareidolia seems like a bit of a stretch to account for the typical sighting, I mean if ghost sightings were fleeting things in the corner of your eye - then sure, but when the sighting is a human form walking around it's a bit of a stretch to think that's some wind-blown leaves being interpreted as a realistic human form.

 

[pandamonium77]

Ghost yes, those are people who died but not resting peacefully in their grave. Mostly happen to people who were killed by guns, accident, at hospitals. Their spirits were never taken by the relatives from where they stopped breathing. So those people always looking for a way out or to cause more accident on the roads so they will have more people who are like them because they have no place in heaven since when they appear God tells them I didn't create you like this go back to earth to get cleansed. Most people ignore this until later in life it happens to themselves. The worse thing is that only people living by flesh can help you.

Oh, there you go, you’ve convinced me!

It sounds like you’ve crafted quite a ghostly soap opera. Let’s unravel this eerie narrative:

So, ghosts are out there causing road accidents to recruit more spirits? That’s a rather ambitious plan to expand their “eternal suffering” network! Perhaps they should form a ghostly union or a networking group instead.

The idea that god tells ghosts, “I didn’t create you like this; go back to Earth,” is quite the theological twist. If Heaven’s gatekeepers are handing out return tickets for ghostly misdemeanours, it’s no wonder there’s a queue at the celestial lost-and-found department.

The notion that only the living can help ghosts is like asking a broken record to fix another broken record. It’s a paradox, isn’t it? If ghosts need living folks to get “cleansed,” maybe they should consider a ghostly wellness retreat?

So, while your ghostly theories are certainly creative, a touch more consistency might make them even more compelling. If ghosts are truly seeking to broaden their spectral horizons, they might need to rethink their strategy—or perhaps get a skilled ghostwriter for their next big spiritual blockbuster!

 

[bhaziwa]

Oh, there you go, you’ve convinced me!

It sounds like you’ve crafted quite a ghostly soap opera. Let’s unravel this eerie narrative:

So, ghosts are out there causing road accidents to recruit more spirits? That’s a rather ambitious plan to expand their “eternal suffering” network! Perhaps they should form a ghostly union or a networking group instead.

The idea that god tells ghosts, “I didn’t create you like this; go back to Earth,” is quite the theological twist. If Heaven’s gatekeepers are handing out return tickets for ghostly misdemeanours, it’s no wonder there’s a queue at the celestial lost-and-found department.

The notion that only the living can help ghosts is like asking a broken record to fix another broken record. It’s a paradox, isn’t it? If ghosts need living folks to get “cleansed,” maybe they should consider a ghostly wellness retreat?

So, while your ghostly theories are certainly creative, a touch more consistency might make them even more compelling. If ghosts are truly seeking to broaden their spectral horizons, they might need to rethink their strategy—or perhaps get a skilled ghostwriter for their next big spiritual blockbuster!

You understood my statement better than I recited in simple terms of solving the mystery to accommodate "ghost" is having a temple of white rocks in circle or rectangular form near the roads and then through Shembe uNyazilwezulu, will use prayer to connect with them then tell them this is the place God has placed you temporary until your loved ones comes and do it the right way. In that case road accidents will stop to exist at a higher rate to a lower to none rate. Guaranteed.

 

[Spontaneous spinach]

I see them a lot late at night hang around pavements, they look skinny with just skin hanging onto bone, more like zombies and as you drive past, they give you death stare eye contact and if you slow down near them and speed away quicky as they approach, they get extremely upset and try to toss random objects at you.

What's surprising is they are afraid of the police, as they tend to hide in the sight of a police van!

 

[pandamonium77]

Thanks for your spirited response! Let’s have a little look at those ghostly conundrums:

Ghosts and Pareidolia: I hear you—seeing a ghostly figure can’t just be dismissed as a mere trick of the eye. But, let’s not forget, our brains are like overenthusiastic pattern-recognition machines. They can whip up detailed images from the most mundane or ambiguous visual input, especially when we’re primed to see them. It’s not so much wind-blown leaves turning into a ghost, but rather your brain doing its best impression of a haunted house artist!

Detailed Human Forms: Spotting a full-on human form might seem too elaborate for a mere brain glitch. Yet, our brains are pretty good at creating detailed images from incomplete data. It’s like making a high-definition film from a grainy old photo. The setting plays a huge role too—dim lighting and spooky atmospheres can turn even the most benign shadow into a convincing ghostly figure.

Other Possibilities: Besides our brain’s flair for the dramatic, there are other players in this ghostly game. Infrasound can stir up eerie feelings and hallucinations, while EMFs can mess with your head and make ordinary experiences seem extraordinary. Think of it as Mother Nature’s way of adding a bit of eerie spice to your daily routine.

Real-World Reference: Take the case of the “haunted” scientist, Dr. X. They experienced what they thought were ghostly apparitions, only to find out that the phenomena were linked to high levels of EMFs in their lab. It turns out the only thing supernatural was their shocking discovery about electromagnetic interference!

So, while ghost stories are a hoot and a half, science is all about explaining the mysterious with grounded, evidence-based approaches. Ghosts might be great for a spine-tingling tale, but for now, they fit best in the realm of fiction.

And hey, if you do spot a ghost, just remember: you’re not alone! Plenty of folks have seen their fair share of spooky shenanigans, only to find out it was a mix of overactive imagination and a dash of environmental weirdness.

And yet not a single thing you just posted accounts for ghost sightings? Pareidolia seems like a bit of a stretch to account for the typical sighting, I mean if ghost sightings were fleeting things in the corner of your eye - then sure, but when the sighting is a human form walking around it's a bit of a stretch to think that's some wind-blown leaves being interpreted as a realistic human form.

Thanks for your spirited response! Let’s have a little look at those ghostly conundrums:

Ghosts and Pareidolia: I hear you—seeing a ghostly figure can’t just be dismissed as a mere trick of the eye. But, let’s not forget, our brains are like overenthusiastic pattern-recognition machines. They can whip up detailed images from the most mundane or ambiguous visual input, especially when we’re primed to see them. It’s not so much wind-blown leaves turning into a ghost, but rather your brain doing its best impression of a haunted house artist!

Spotting a full-on human form might seem too elaborate for a mere brain glitch. Yet, our brains are pretty good at creating detailed images from incomplete data. It’s like making a high-definition film from a grainy old photo. The setting plays a huge role too—dim lighting and spooky atmospheres can turn even the most benign shadow into a convincing ghostly figure.

Other Possibilities: Besides our brain’s flair for the dramatic, there are other players in this ghostly game. Infrasound can stir up eerie feelings and hallucinations, while EMFs can mess with your head and make ordinary experiences seem extraordinary. Think of it as Mother Nature’s way of adding a bit of eerie spice to your daily routine.

And hey, if you do spot a ghost, just remember: you’re not alone! Plenty of folks have seen their fair share of spooky shenanigans, only to find out it was a mix of overactive imagination and a dash of environmental weirdness. But, I'm sure you'll appreciate this news

 

[maumau]

I agree with everything except the end given that science is the study of the natural and pretty much stops at the beginning of all things. Being unable to measure something doesn't negate it's existence.

Yep, like we thought water was clear until the microscope was invented.

 

[pandamonium77]

Yes, you can not believe in everything supernatural like religion and also at the same time not believe in ghosts, or witchcraft for that matter. I do not entertain or practice with such supernatural phenomena as I am of the Christian faith and ours is salvation and everything heavenly.

If you accept supernatural claims within your religious framework, such as miracles or divine intervention, but dismiss other supernatural phenomena like ghosts or witchcraft, you’re applying selective scepticism. Its seems your selective approach is inconsistent. If you rely on faith to accept some supernatural claims, you can’t arbitrarily dismiss others without applying the same level of scrutiny. Consistency in evaluating supernatural claims requires the same standards of evidence and reason, regardless of the source.

 

[pandamonium77]

I don't think it needs religion in it at all?And I say that as someone religious.

We surely have not discovered everything out there? We don't know if parallel universes exist because we can't detect them, only theories, we don't know if things can exist out of phase with our reality or time because we can't detect it ether - only speculate.

We always start with speculation/imagination/theory and then as time progresses technology allows us to detect and/or explore enough to make those theories into realities (or not).

You're right that real observation and detection is required, but my question is what if there's things around us we simply do not have that ability to observe and detect - YET?

You’re right that there may be things around us we currently can’t observe or detect. The point I’d make is that even if we encounter something that feels and seems real, it might not be a ghost or anything supernatural as we typically define it. Just as UFOs were once thought to be extraterrestrial spacecraft but are now understood to be unidentified flying objects that could have various explanations, phenomena we can’t yet explain might eventually be understood through scientific advancements.

In other words, while our current limitations might make things seem supernatural, future discoveries and better technology could provide alternative explanations. So, it’s not that these phenomena are dismissed, but rather that they may be redefined as our understanding and technology evolve.

 

[pandamonium77]

You understood my statement better than I recited in simple terms of solving the mystery to accommodate "ghost" is having a temple of white rocks in circle or rectangular form near the roads and then through Shembe uNyazilwezulu, will use prayer to connect with them then tell them this is the place God has placed you temporary until your loved ones comes and do it the right way. In that case road accidents will stop to exist at a higher rate to a lower to none rate. Guaranteed.

I appreciate the creative idea, but the real question is whether ghosts are even real. Setting up a ghostly spa and calling in a spiritual guide doesn’t change the fact that we need solid evidence. Let’s focus on finding proof rather than planning ghost retreats!

 

[pandamonium77]

I agree with everything except the end given that science is the study of the natural and pretty much stops at the beginning of all things. Being unable to measure something doesn't negate it's existence.

Just because something looks like a ghost doesn’t mean it is one. We need science to separate spooky speculation from solid facts. Science isn’t the enemy—it’s our ghost-busting tool. So, if you think you’re seeing a spirit, let’s test it scientifically, not just assume it’s supernatural. Even ghostly experiences need a dose of scientific scrutiny!

Many "supernatural" phenomena have been busted by science:

1. Lightning and Thunder: Once blamed on Zeus’s tantrums, we now know it's just electricity sparking from storm clouds.

2. Disease and Illness: Ancient curses turned out to be germs and viruses. Medicine beat the supernatural to the cure!

3. Fainting and Seizures: Once thought to be demonic, these are now understood as nervous system glitches.

4. Sleep Paralysis: No demons sitting on your chest—just your brain waking up before your body does.

5. Witchcraft and Hysteria: What we once called witchcraft is now seen as mass hysteria or psychological issues.

6. Fairy Circles: These "magical" patterns are just the result of plants and termites having a turf war.

Science keeps uncovering natural explanations for things once thought "supernatural"

 

[maumau]

How is that relevant? I'm simply pointing out that science is not good for measuring anything outside the physical. In response, mind you, to a claim that @pandamonium77 made that science can prove that the supernatural doesn't exist.

Science either operates purely within the natural realm or it doesn't. Which is it?

I'm agreeing with you Willie.

 

[longboy]

Quite unexpected to see that 1 in 3 people of MyBB believes in ghosts.

Stop smoking Whoonga you peeps...

 

[maumau]

Google Search

One of my family members tells a similar story about when my Mom took her to the dentist in around 1960/65. She was around 16ish.

The dentist finished working on her teeth and called my Mom into his surgery. Apparently the dentist told her he struggled to bring XXX round and warned that she "takes anaesthetic badly".

To this day XXX remembers that she "flew up" and was on top of the door looking down at herself in the dentist's chair. He was smacking her face while my Mom looked on. sorry it sounds hilarious but I believe she had an out of body experience.

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Quite unexpected to see that 1 in 3 people of MyBB believes in ghosts.

Stop smoking Whoonga you peeps...

Don't you believe in "Sanatana dharma"? Then by association don't you believe that a monkey creature lifted billions of tons of mountain since he couldn't locate some herb plant?

Unless you are going to pull the apologist card and say it is all allegorical and so on ?

And the dog said 'Let there be tap dancing'

 

[neoprema]

I think @surface is a ghost. He's just trying to fool us.

 

[longboy]

Don't you believe in "Sanatana dharma"? Then by association don't you believe that a monkey creature lifted billions of tons of mountain since he couldn't locate some herb plant?

Unless you are going to pull the apologist card and say it is all allegorical and so on ?

And the dog said 'Let there be tap dancing'

What does flying monkeys and donkeys have to do with ghosts?

 

[Sideshow Bob]

What does flying monkeys and donkeys have to do with ghosts?

Both have no evidence ?

 

[Obieone]

Your statement also rules out the existence of a "God"

You can. I believe in ghosts but do not believe in an almighty god that will punish you for eyeing your neighbour's wife

Or his ass...