Why is the Paranormal Field toxic?
Updated: Apr 18
There are several reasons why the paranormal field can be considered toxic. One of the main reasons is the lack of regulation and standards in the area. Unlike other scientific disciplines, there are no standardized methods or protocols for conducting investigations and no governing body to ensure ethical and professional behavior.
This lack of regulation has led to a proliferation of untrained and inexperienced individuals who conduct investigations without proper knowledge or equipment and may be more interested in fame or profit than in serious research.
Additionally, the field is often rife with infighting and competition, with individuals and groups vying for attention and recognition. This can lead to hostility, personal attacks, and a lack of collaboration and cooperation.
Finally, the paranormal field is often associated with sensationalism and entertainment, which can lead to a focus on producing dramatic results rather than on rigorous scientific investigation. This can further erode the field's credibility and make it difficult to be taken seriously by mainstream science and society.
The toxicity in the paranormal field can also be attributed to the lack of scientific methodology and standards. Since the esoteric deals with phenomena that science cannot easily explain, many people in the field tend to rely on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence instead of objective and replicable data.
This has led to a proliferation of subjective interpretations and unsubstantiated claims, giving rise to a culture of competition and ego-driven behavior among paranormal investigators and enthusiasts. This culture often leads to infighting, feuds, and a lack of cooperation among different groups and individuals, making it difficult for the field to advance and gain wider acceptance.
Moreover, the commercialization of the paranormal has also contributed to the toxic nature of the field. The success of shows like Ghost Hunters and Paranormal State has led to a boom in paranormal tourism and merchandise, creating a financial incentive for people to promote their investigations and findings, sometimes at the expense of scientific rigor and accuracy.
Overall, the toxicity in the paranormal field can be seen as a combination of the inherent difficulties in studying the supernatural, the lack of scientific standards and methodology, and the commercialization of the area.