The mystery surrounding ghosts has been around for a long time. Teenagers all over the world sit around bonfires and tell stories of possible spirits and ghosts. However, these stories seem that the idea of ghosts is far more scary than their possible existence. It is more frightening to not know what lurks in the dark than to create an explanation for it. 

Personally, I do not believe in ghosts but I still run up the stairs after turning off the lights in the basement. However, surveys found that 42% of Americans say they believe in ghosts. People aren’t afraid of the dark, they’re afraid of what’s in the dark or not knowing what’s around them. Our brains have a tendency to fill empty space that we can’t see with optical illusions. So when you wake up at 4 a.m and see that stack of clothes piled on a chair, just know it’s not a ghost. 

What are ghosts and why do they exist? I think it’s important to note that the terms “ghost” and “spirit” are often used interchangeably. However, the idea of ghosts holds a more negative connotation as it is portrayed as haunting spirits. While spirits, in general, can bring closure and comfort to those who have lost a loved one. When a loved one dies the feeling and perceived presence of the dead gives people hope and reassurance that the living are being cared and looked after. That belief in turn helps them find closure. The spirit of the dead is seen as eternal because the love between one another forever lies within people’s hearts, even when they are physically with us no more. 

I think that people like the idea of ghosts more than they actually believe in them. Even though ghosts are seen as haunting figures, they are romanticized and used for entertainment. TV series like Ghost Hunters or cartoon shows like Scooby-Doo, or horror movies like Annabelle are all based around paranormal activity. Is it all in our heads or do ghosts and spirits exist?