A creak in the night. The flicker of a lightbulb. This is the ambiance of horror. These are the aspects of horror that are easily explainable. They target sensory deprivation, the fear of the unknown, and the threatening atmosphere of a place that may not feel safe. But perhaps there’s a deeper meaning to all of this—perhaps there’s something much more potent at play in these situations.
Though we are aware of the visible aspects of horror, the less noticeable aspects such as infrasound, the presence of chemicals, and many other factors can turn the sensation of fear into something far more terrifying. These things affect our bodies so subtly that they trick our minds into believing the urban legends of something lurking in the dark. These are the “powerful” things at play.
Sound is a primary factor in our modern perception of horror. Perhaps it’s the absence of it or the ominous, rhythmic noises of horror movies. What we often forget is that sound is simply vibrations traveling through different mediums. As such, most sounds below 20 Hz are not audible, but can still be detected by other senses in the right conditions. Now each object has something called a resonant frequency which is the characteristic frequency of an object that has reached its maximum degree of oscillation. Since every object has a natural frequency of vibration, if something causes it to vibrate to perfectly fit that frequency, its vibrations are exacerbated. The resonant frequency of each object is different, but when an object in question is exposed to its resonant frequency, it amplifies sounds at this frequency like an echo within a chamber. Now the resonant frequency of the human body is about 19 Hz, and the resulting large vibrations to the chest can cause difficulty of breathing and a feeling of dread. This explains why horror films incorporate low-frequency sounds in their soundtracks during the most intense parts. Alongside this, hallucinations can be induced by vibrations in the eyeball as well, plausibly being one of the leading causes of “ghost sightings”.
If there are factors affecting the external part of your body, there are also factors affecting the internal parts. In the era of urbanization where burning fossil fuels is a reality, unfortunate consequences result from long exposure to the chemicals released by these actions. This is called carbon monoxide poisoning, and along with the standard headache and dizziness, neurological effects such as confusion, depression, and hallucinations. Such hallucinations can often be eerie and inexplicable, as the other effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are subtle and difficult to pinpoint. Many victims report things being done that they do not remember doing, hearing footsteps and voices, and generally feeling weakened. These changes often incite paranormal theories, believing that some vengeful spirits are haunting the area when really it is the unfortunate result of burning organic compounds.
Finally, we must all remember that the most influential factor when it comes to believing in the paranormal is the power of suggestion, something to do more with society than with science. Although resonant frequencies and carbon monoxide poisoning certainly provide viable explanations for urban legends and myths, the reason why many people still believe in these is that no man is an island, and people are constantly influenced by each other. Confident assertions in a room full of people teetering on the line of indecision can change the mindsets of many, and when suggestion works alongside scientific factors, most people do not even try to refute the claims given. When an individual is presented with an idea and that idea is backed up with fervid agreements and pseudo-evidence, that idea becomes more solid in their minds and they may begin to truly believe it. People can modify other people’s beliefs, behavior, and general mindset with a few words, and this plays a major role in solidifying misconceptions and disinformation about the paranormal.
In no way do these scientific theories contradict the existence of the supernatural. However, let us take comfort in the thought that perhaps there is a scientific, logical explanation for what we are seeing and feeling, instead of immediately jumping to the conclusion that we are being haunted, because that is in fact, often not the case. That being said, enjoy the atmosphere of October, and partake in your diabetic traditions.
Commenti