In fact, belief in the paranormal reflects the natural human experience. It is a mirror that reveals our deepest fears, hopes, and desires—revealing who we are and what we seek in a world filled with mystery.

Belief in the mystical&mdash;from <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/how-to-plan-your-week-according-to-astrology-alicia-orre-ibiza" target="_blank" rel="noopener">astrology</a>, tarot, to other mystical practices&mdash;offers people solace, direction, and meaning. These experiences not only create a sense of connection to something greater, but also provide deep insights that resonate with our own personal experiences. Yet belief in the mystical is often influenced by cognitive biases&mdash;invisible shortcuts that the human mind uses to decipher the world.
As alluring as the allure of the mystical may be, understanding these mental shortcuts helps us explore the line between curiosity and easy belief. Remember, being aware of these biases is not to invalidate those beliefs, but to shed light on how the brain works when we face the unknown.
Here are three cognitive biases that shape our belief in the paranormal:

Confirmation bias - Seeing what we expect

Confirmation bias is the tendency to pay attention to information that supports our existing beliefs, while ignoring anything that contradicts them. For example, if you&rsquo;re into astrology, you might easily notice traits in your <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/soul-spirituality/journal-prompts-for-each-zodiac-sign-autumn-tips-for-well-being" target="_blank" rel="noopener">zodiac sign</a> that match your personality, but ignore anything that doesn&rsquo;t. This selective attention makes paranormal beliefs seem more accurate and personal, which in turn reinforces your beliefs.
This trend also has a strong influence on larger ideologies, such as religion. A 2021 study published in "Theology and Science" found that religious beliefs are often rooted in personal experiences and are difficult to change. The study suggests that these beliefs are shaped by confirmation bias, which is the opposite of scientific thinking, which is objective, verifiable, and based on solid evidence.
Confirmation bias, while sometimes seemingly beneficial, has unintended consequences. By streamlining the decision-making process, it makes it easier for us to ignore information that contradicts our beliefs, making judgments quicker and even easier. Not only that, this bias also brings emotional stability, making us feel secure and comfortable when our deeply held beliefs are reinforced, especially in times of uncertainty. Furthermore, the power of confirmation bias lies in its ability to bond societies, helping to maintain consensus within communities through shared beliefs.
But none of these benefits come without a cost. Confirmation bias can trap us in a cognitive distortion, where evidence to the contrary is dismissed and our view of the world becomes distorted. It also makes it easier to maintain and reinforce false or harmful beliefs, because we ignore warning signs. Furthermore, focusing only on what supports our existing views limits our ability to find better solutions, making it easy to miss out on opportunities for innovation and progress.
To gain a more balanced view, we need to actively expand our sources of information, seek out opposing views, and be willing to adjust our beliefs when faced with new evidence.

Apophenia - Finding Correlations in Randomness

Apophenia describes the tendency to associate unrelated things and infer a common meaning . For example, someone who believes in numerology may frequently see the number 7 appearing everywhere—on a clock, a license plate, or a receipt—and assume that these are important signals from the universe about their life. However, these occurrences are often just the result of coincidence, with no deeper meaning. Apophenia makes these random events seem related, even though they are actually separate events with no real connection. Recognizing common denominators is a natural and often valuable instinct, but when we rely too much on these imaginary connections, we can fall into dangerous mental traps. Apophenia can cause us to perceive inconsequential events as supernatural or unnecessarily important, leading to irrational and incorrect beliefs. This bias can also cause us to overgeneralize, make unfounded assumptions, distort our thinking, and lead to unfortunate decisions. It is important to maintain a balance between your natural tendency to look for meaning in patterns and your awareness of randomness. By practicing critical analysis of these connections, you can maintain a more realistic perspective.

The Barnum Effect - Personalizing General Statements

According to a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, the Barnum effect is a psychological phenomenon that causes people to accept vague, general descriptions as accurate descriptions of themselves. This is a common experience in astrology or personality tests, where general descriptions feel particularly accurate. For example, people often believe statements like “ You want to be liked and admired ” or “ You are hard on yourself” because they think they apply to them, even though they actually apply to almost anyone. Because these statements are designed to be relevant to a wide range of people, they easily create empathy, and personalization. Attributing personal meaning to general statements, while comforting and affirming at the moment, is fraught with pitfalls. Vague statements, without specifics or clear evidence, are often accepted with ease, leaving us open to misinterpretation. To avoid falling prey to the Barnum Effect, there are a few strategies that can be helpful. First, always evaluate the specificity of statements to see if they are actually relevant and accurate, rather than accepting them just because they seem to be true. Second, prioritize seeking information that is grounded, clear, and proven, so you don’t get caught up in empty talk. Finally, don’t hesitate to consult experts to ensure that the advice you receive is based on reliable foundations and has real value. In fact, belief in the paranormal reflects the natural human experience. It is a mirror that reveals our deepest fears, hopes, and desires—revealing who we are and what we seek in a world filled with mystery. Photo: Gucci

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