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Enlighten Me: Does increased social media use lead to stronger belief in the paranormal?

Kyle McKinnon
/
Delaware Public Media
A study out of the University of Delaware finds that high usage of video-centric social media can bolster belief systems.

Nearly half of Americans believe ghosts exist. The concept of spirits is fundamental in many cultures and they regularly show up in books, movies, and folklore despite skepticism from the scientific community.

University of Delaware Communications professor Paul Brewer – Delaware Politics Director at UD’s Center for Political Communication – sought to answer that question in a new study exploring the link between social media use and belief in the paranormal.

In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media’s Kyle McKinnon talks with Brewer about the study and its findings.

DPM's Kyle McKinnon explores the connection between social media use and belief in the paranormal with UD professor Paul Brewer

New research conducted by the University of Delaware found that increased consumption of video-centric social media leads to a stronger belief in the paranormal.

The study examined the most popular YouTube videos about UFOs and ghosts, among other paranormal-related phenomena, to see what messages existed. Most videos contained alleged footage of paranormal activity but weren't supported by scientific or government sources.

UD Communications professor Paul Brewer led the study, which he hoped would yield results on how the media can shape our belief systems.

"Polling over the years has shown that a substantial percentage of the public says that they believe in paranormal phenomena like UFOs and ghosts and to a lesser extent, things like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster,” Brewer said. “So, that raises the question: What shapes these beliefs? Where do members of the public get these ideas, these viewpoints? Can media messages help shape these beliefs?"

The study found that YouTube use is indeed linked to believing in the paranormal and Brewer says the platform and others are the perfect avenue for paranormal believers.

"If you are looking for messages, videos out there that are going to reinforce believing in these phenomena, there's a lot out there on YouTube that would reinforce your beliefs," Brewer said. "There's a lot out there on TikTok, too, that would reinforce your beliefs. So, if people go looking for this content, they will find it."

Brewer adds that watching paranormal-themed documentaries is also connected to believing in the paranormal, but that could be similar to the chicken or the egg theory.

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Kyle McKinnon is the Senior Producer for The Green with a passion for storytelling and connecting with people.