Most of us at some point and time in our lives have probably either picked up a newspaper and read their horoscope or had a crystal ball reading. Although we also probably knew that the results were not necessarily scientifically true, we were most likely lightly surprised that part of it was "accurate" to our life. Ever wondered how this works?
The basis to most horoscopes, crystal ball readings, and tarot cards comes from the P.T Barnum Effect. This effect happens when people have the tendency to accept certain information as true because the information is quite vague and applies to just about everyone. The majority of the information presented from horoscopes and crystal ball readings is fairly vague. This video from YouTube clearly shows how horoscopes can apply to just about everyone, even when an entire room full of people are given the same exact one. As a result of this effect, most of the horoscopes, and crystal ball readings aren't valid measures of personality even if they appear to describe someone to the T.
Even with knowing that horoscopes aren't necessarily accurate based on how they work and what techniques they use in order to make them appear real, will people still have a tendency to believe them? I personally think that people will unintentionally still slightly believe in them. Not because they are ignorant but simply because we are human and need something to believe in.
Leave a comment