Paranormal Criticism

Ghost hunting is practiced by many paranormal investigation groups whose members sometimes promote their findings on the web as proof of haunting. These findings are generally challenged by skeptics as wishful thinking or the product of scientifically unsound practices and beliefs. Critics question ghost-hunting's methodology, particularly its use of instrumentation, as there is no scientifically proven link between the existence of ghosts and cold spots or electromagnetic fields.

According to skeptical investigator Joe Nickell,"...the approach of the typical ghost hunter—a non-scientist using equipment for a purpose for which it was not made and has not been shown to be effective—is sheer pseudoscience."   There is also concern that members of ghost hunting groups may inflate their qualifications.

This is so true for new ghost hunter groups coming out in the past year. Many individuals that start a group base their knowledge from watching ghost shows or attending seminars.  They take the position of lead investigator or investigator to get recognition that these people have mass knowledge in conducting paranormal investigations.  This is why the paranormal realm is criticized by the scientific community. 

Many paranormal groups do not have the extensive knowledge/education needed to do a scientific investigation or research. By watching an hour television show based on a group doing an investigation they think they have absorbed knowledge on how to perform an investigation on their own.  To be a well respected investigator by the scientific and paranormal community one needs to get an education and experience in the subject they are providing findings on.  One must know how to control the subject environment to provide detail research and findings.

What really doesn’t help the paranormal realm is those videos, audios, and pictures that are altered by these proclaimed “Ghost Hunter Groups”.  New edge technology makes it easier for someone that is trying to get recognition in the field to alter anything. Critics take pleasure in disproving these alter findings and giving at the same time bad acknowledgment to the paranormal community.  Everyday ghost hunting groups post their findings on the web, proclaiming that they caught a ghost.  Most of these findings of evidences are pictures of dust orbs, (light being reflected back to the camera).  Critics acknowledge the education of these proclaimed investigators on how they use a digital camera with out any photography education.   They get shredded by the critics on these pictures that claim to have a spirit’s orb or an energy orb on film.  On behalf of the critics they are so right on the lack of education most of these people have on certain equipment. Photographers know that when taking a good picture at night you will need a diffuser to cut down on orbs.  This is almost the same concept as the red-eye effect when taking a picture.

The one thing that is taking off these past few years is that most of these groups are hobby enthusiasts that mimic what they see on television.  But there are other groups that are serious in what they do.  They try to disassociate away from these hobbyist, to help provide answers to those who seek help with paranormal activity. This is what makes it more difficult for those groups that do have the education and experience to gain respect from critics and the scientific community. 

 What makes it more difficult to gain any respect is that ghost hunting has become more commercial/enterprise in the past year.  Ghost tours conducted by a local guide or tour operator who is often a member of a local ghost hunting or paranormal investigation group; since both tour operator and 'haunted' site owners share profits of such enterprises (admissions typically range between $50 and $200 per person). Some believe the 'haunted' claims are exaggerated or fabricated in order to increase attendance. The city of Savannah, GA is thought to be the number 1 United States city for "ghost tours" having more than three dozen at last count.  California is not behind in this booming enterprise.  Los Angeles has many ghost hunting tours daily taking people to locations that claim spirits of famous starts are still among us.

Everyone is a critic when entitled to finding evidence of the paranormal umbrella.  Everyone is entitling to their personal opinion and beliefs.  Critics are very important to have to keep checks and balances on any subject.