Tag: Cognitive Bias
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Video Essay – Debunker vs. Skeptic: What’s the Real Difference?
Does “debunked” mean a claim is false, a content creator is fake—or something else? And when debunkers imply that they’re not levelling that accusation… is that still debunking?In this video, I explore the boundary between scepticism and debunking—and how the language we use can influence public perception, bias inquiry, and short-circuit honest debate. Featuring a
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Thoughts on Gatekeeping in the Paranormal World
“There are two kinds of paranormal researchers,” the gatekeeper says, leaning back in his chair. “The serious scholars, and the amateurs that cosplay Ghostbusters with dodgy pseudoscientific ideas and methodologies.” You hear this division often—spoken with the certainty of someone who believes expertise is measured in citations rather than firsthand experience. But here’s the irony:
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Debunking the Debunkers? Part Three: Tribes and Toxicity
The Erosion of Scepticism in Online Spaces Scepticism, at its heart, is the practice of questioning narratives and assumptions, testing ideas and refining our understanding of the world. It seeks to avoid blind acceptance by critically examining claims based on the evidence available, while maintaining awareness of gaps in knowledge. It is not about rigid
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Debunking the Debunkers? Part Two: The Danger of Getting Things Wrong
In this second instalment, we delve deeper into the world of scepticism and debunking, focusing on detailed case studies and the cognitive pitfalls that often accompany the process. By looking at a couple of specific examples from recent years, we will explore how debunkers’ overconfidence and premature conclusions can lead to significant reputational harm and
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Debunking the Debunkers? Part One: Consistency and Fairness
As anyone that has spent any amount of time working in the paranormal field- tension is rife, dividing groups and individuals. Rival paranormal groups, believers, and sceptics frequently clash over what constitutes compelling evidence in a realm where certainty is elusive. The popularity of TV shows like Most Haunted, Ghost Adventures, and Ghost Hunters has
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When does Scepticism Cross the Line from Healthy to Problematic?
For as long as the modern paranormal field has existed, there has been a certain level of tension – between believers and sceptics, the unexplained and debunked. The last two decades or so have seen an ever-growing tidal wave of amateur sensationalised ghost hunting content on TV and social media platforms, with a seemingly endless
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Where Do We Draw the Line? Paranormal Belief and the Boundaries We Create
I recently saw a social media post asking followers about their views on a specific topic, namely haunted dolls. The response from most followers ranged from non-committal, outright dismissive or simply to ridicule the notion. The respondents were individuals interested in the paranormal, including believers in various fringe phenomena. Yet there seems to be some
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How Important is Historical Research When Investigating Paranormal Claims?
Nestled in the South Devon countryside, hidden from view down narrow country lanes, stand the imposing ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle. Not only is this a captivating historical site, but it is also an infamous hotspot for reported paranormal activity. Most famous among the various inhabitant ghosts is the White Lady, believed to be the
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