Hello, this time I want to discuss a phenomenon that you may encounter a lot, namely mystical things. What makes mystical things so popular with people? Is there a scientific or psychological explanation behind it? Come on, let’s look at it together.
MYSTIC
Mystical things are things related to the unseen, supernatural or paranormal world. Mystical things can be horror stories, magical rituals, ghost appearances, or strange events that cannot be explained logically. Many people are interested in mystical things because they are curious, inquisitive, or looking for sensations. There are also those who believe that mystical things are part of their beliefs or religion.
Mystical Based on Science
But does this mystical thing really exist? Or is it just a fantasy? According to science, mystical things cannot be proven empirically or rationally. Science only recognizes things that can be observed, measured and tested objectively. Science also relies on systematic and critical scientific methods to explain natural phenomena. So, science cannot provide definite answers about mystical matters.
Mystical Based on Psychology
Then, what about psychology? Psychology is a science that studies human behavior and mental processes. Psychology can provide some explanations for why people are attracted to mystical things. The following are some psychological factors that play a role:
Imagination
Imagination is the ability to imagine something that does not exist or has not happened. Imagination can make us more creative and innovative, but it can also make us more easily influenced by things that are not real. Imagination can be influenced by factors such as experience, culture, media, or emotions. People who have a high imagination may be more easily attracted to mystical things because they can imagine various interesting or frightening possibilities.
Cognition
Cognition is the process of thinking and understanding information. Cognition can be disturbed by various biases or thinking errors that make us misinterpret or conclude things.
Confirmation bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek, select, or interpret information that conforms to our beliefs or expectations. People who believe in mystical things may find it easier to find evidence that supports their beliefs, and ignore evidence that contradicts them.
Pareidolia
Pareidolia is the tendency to see patterns or meaning in random objects that are actually unrelated. For example, seeing human faces in clouds, leaves, or toast. People who experience pareidolia may find it easier to see ghosts or supernatural beings in blurry or dark images.
Barnum Effect
The Barnum effect is the tendency to feel that general or vague descriptions of one’s personality or fate match one’s own. For example, believing in horoscopes, tarot, or horoscopes which actually apply to anyone. People who experience the Barnum effect may find it easier to believe in mystical things that provide clues or hope about the future.
Emotion
Emotions are feelings that arise as a result of internal or external stimuli. Emotions can influence the way we think and act. Emotions can also trigger physiological reactions such as heart rate, blood pressure, or cold sweat.
Mystical Based on Theory
However, did you know that there are several theories that try to explain these mystical things? The following are some theories that you might be interested in knowing.
Multiverse or parallel universe theory
This theory says that there are many different universes that coexist with our universe. Maybe in one of these universes, there is a different version of us, or there are beings that do not exist in our universe. Some people believe that mystical things such as ghosts, spirits, or supernatural beings are creatures from other universes that can penetrate into our universe.
Hologram theory
This theory says that the reality we see is actually a hologram projection of the information stored on the surface of the black hole’s event horizon. In other words, we are actually living in a simulation. Mystical things such as dreams, visions, or hallucinations are interference or errors in the hologram projection.
Psychokinesis theory
This theory says that the human mind has the ability to influence matter with psychic power. Mystical things such as telepathy, telekinesis, or poltergeists are examples of psychokinesis. Some people believe that with practice and concentration, we can develop this psychokinetic ability.
Theory of the collective unconscious
This theory says that there is a layer of thought that is collective and universal for all humans. This layer of the mind contains symbols, archetypes, and myths that originate from the shared experiences of humans since primitive times. Mystical things such as shared dreams, synchronicities, or ancestral spirits are manifestations of this collective unconscious.
Energy theory
This theory says that everything in the universe is made of energy that vibrates at a certain frequency. Mystical things such as aura, chakra, or reiki are forms of energy that humans can feel or manipulate. Some people believe that by increasing our energy frequency, we can achieve higher consciousness and connect with other dimensions.
How Mystical Things Enter Culture
Mysticism, according to sociologist Robert K. Merton , says that mystical or magical rituals or certain beliefs or functional beliefs have an effect on the soul or self-confidence of those who truly believe in them. Thus, mysticism is considered capable of influencing a society so that it can also be interpreted as influencing the culture of that society.
So why are mystical things so popular with people?
There are several reasons that might explain this phenomenon. One reason is curiosity. Humans have an instinct to know things that are invisible or cannot be explained by logic . Mystical things offer a challenge to common sense and imagination. People want to prove whether mystical things really exist or are just imaginary.
Another reason is fear. Even though many people claim not to be afraid of mystical things, in fact they also feel tension and fear when facing these things. This fear can provide an interesting sensation and stimulate adrenaline. People like to feel this sensation because it can make them feel alive and brave.
Well, those are some explanations about why mystical things are so popular with people. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with liking or enjoying mystical things as long as it doesn’t harm yourself or others. The important thing is that we continue to think rationally, critically and objectively in sorting out the information and experiences we get.
Hopefully this article is useful and adds to your insight. Don’t forget to share and comment. See you in the next article!!
