Scientists from Uppsala University in Sweden found that watching reality shows about mystical events can encourage viewers to believe in the supernatural. results published Popular Media Psychology (PPM).
601 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 56 participated in the study. Mystical thoughts of all participants were evaluated using the Jerome Tobasik Paranormal Beliefs Scale. It consists of 26 questions about a person’s belief in the existence of gods, unusual life forms, and other paranormal phenomena in traditional beliefs. After reading a statement about one form of such a phenomenon, participants were asked to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed with it.
Paranormal events refer to all events that contradict the basic limiting principles of science. They can be classified as superpowers (clairvoyance, telekinesis), pseudoscientific practices (numerology, astrology), and natural abnormal phenomena and entities that a person explains by the presence of supernatural forces or other worlds.
Participants were also asked to self-rate the frequency with which they watched eight different types of horror shows and movies. Horror includes subgenres such as paranormal fiction, films “based on true events”, films based on “photo evidence”, mystical reality shows, films about monsters, maniacs, psychological horror, and horror comedies. Volunteers responded on a seven-point scale. Response options ranged from “I don’t watch it at all” to “I watch it almost every day.”
The results showed that among horror subgenres, psychological horror was the most popular, while paranormal reality television was the least popular. Most respondents were generally skeptical of the paranormal, and few maintained a strong belief in their existence. However, watching true-story horror movies and paranormal reality shows was positively associated with belief in the supernatural.
Media content that is perceived as more realistic and believable is likely to have a stronger persuasive effect on audiences. At the same time, other horror content that is not claimed to be real does not affect people’s attitudes towards paranormal events.
Previous scientists to create An explanation for why people see ghosts.