There really are certain things you should never do during a paranormal investigation. Yet, you’d never know it from watching paranormal TV shows. It’d be quicker to list the ones who don’t violate any of these no-nos rather than to list all of the offenders.
However, since that’s not what this post is about, we’re not going to name names. (But if you want to, feel free to check-in and name who you think is/are the biggest offender/s.)
I had some ideas about no-nos that I’ve seen, but I was curious what others thought. So I posed the question on Twitter and got a lot of feedback from non-TV paranormal investigators. They had a lot of thoughts about the things you should never do during a paranormal investigation…but that they see most celebrity investigators doing.
Which, if you’ve been mimicking what you see on TV, you may want to rethink that and take some of these points into consideration when conducting your next investigation. Especially if you’re really trying to find answers. However, if you’re trying to score a TV show, then this list of all the things not to do during an investigation highlights ways to add drama and entertainment.
1. Contaminate and/or improperly document an investigation
Okay, this is one that every single paranormal TV show is guilty of. It’s too easy to inject bias/influence others and make them think they’re experiencing something they’re not. For instance, how many times have you heard an investigator ask his/her fellow investigators, “Did you hear that?”
Unless it’s an audible scream or an animal growling, they shouldn’t be asking that. Instead, they should be logging what they heard in a notebook, complete with a timestamp. Then reviewing logbooks becomes part of the evidence analysis portion of the investigation. If any of the logbook entries match, it just makes the experience that much more credible and gives validity to it.
And if you’re wondering why they should only speak up for a scream or a growl, it’s because a scream may indicate someone is in trouble. That should always be immediately investigated to rule out anyone needing help.
As far as a growl…well, you don’t want to get attacked or eaten by a wild animal, do you? Safety first. Always. But it’s another thing investigators should do but often don’t.
2. Run
Run. Especially if you are in a building that is falling apart. There could be holes in the floor, nails sticking out of the walls. Always a good idea to walk slowly and take your time.
— Dillon / Haunted Kentucky Road Trip (@Haunted_Dillon) July 25, 2022
In general, it’s a horrible idea to run in the dark. Doing it in an unfamiliar area is an even worse idea. Dillon’s tweet highlights why this is an especially important thing never to do during a paranormal investigation.
3. Yell
Yelling. Like I get it that it gets exciting but I’d be freaked out if I was a ghost and people started yelling after I told them my name or something. Or like screaming it’s a demon every ten seconds. Maybe his name is Damon.
— Amanda McGee (@historymcgee) July 25, 2022
I love when Amanda M. answers my question tweets because she always replies with answers that both make sense and make me laugh. A little yelp every now and then is understandable when something startles you, but the yelling, be it in fear or at the ghosts, is just bad form. (But is good for ratings, apparently.)
But Amanda’s answer also brought up another thing that you should never do during an investigation, but that is the popular trend in paranormal TV shows these days. Let’s take a look at that one next.
4. Demonize
Assume that everything is evil or demonic.
— Ronda Mole (@cocobuzz) July 25, 2022
People are over all the demons TV show investigators find. Well, not everybody apparently because viewers are still watching. However, some have found it enough of an insult to their intelligence that they’re not watching anymore. (Or not watching all the shows, that is.)
But one thing that came up a lot in answers to this question, and that often comes up in criticisms of the paranormal shows, is, “Enough with the demons already!” Ronda summed up the frustration perfectly.
5. Misinterpret info and call it paranormal
Lens flares aren’t spirits, going insane over every little thing, things that aren’t nice aren’t *always* demonic
— Amanda Payne (@the_madd_craftr) July 26, 2022
Brett
Jump to conclusions and tell the “clients” wrong or misleading info.
— Brett Carstens (@Haunted_Medium) July 25, 2022
In addition to also mentioning that negative energy isn’t always indicative of demons, Amanda P.’s answer highlights another big problem in the paranormal. Namely, how a lot of so-called evidence really isn’t. It’s often misinterpreted by people inexperienced with the equipment they’re using and the results its giving.
Which can be bad because, as Brett points out, that can lead to jumping to the wrong conclusions and providing clients (or your audience) with misleading information.
6. Profess to know it all
False impressions all around, as in: you can give a location a thorough investigation, review, research, upload, analyze, etc. all in the space of one fun filled action packed hour. Also, having all the answers is a pet peeve for me ??
— C.A.P.E.R.S. (@Careyparanormal) July 25, 2022
While we’re on the topic of being misleading…C.A.P.E.R.S. brought up a good point that TV shows really mislead people about what a true investigation is all about. They’re all presented nice and neat into a one or two-hour package. But hours and hours, if not days of work actually go into them.
But the more important point came in the last sentence. Technically, ghosts, demons, Bigfoot, etc don’t exist. Sure, lots of people will tell you they do, but there is no hard and fast proof that conclusively verifies any claim. Until there is, no one can truly profess to know anything. It’s all guesses right now. Yes, some more educated than others, but still guesses nonetheless.
7. Provoke, bully or antagonize
In theory no one should antagonize spirits and demons to get reactions. But oh show me one show that doesn’t go on guns blazing bullying the ghosts
— Coelho (@leo_hsc) July 25, 2022
Negatively charge a perhaps already unstable, tenuous situation by provoking, use of sarcasm, allowing the escalation of emotions.
— JynxPyxie (@Jynx90724158) July 25, 2022
Whether it’s the living or the dead, this is a pretty important life rule to follow in general.
8. Misappropriate a culture
NEVER speculate that a haunting was caused by anyone/thing from a culture you do not belong to.
I watch the HARM done by this cut across my best friend’s face all the time, and it kept her from thinking her indigenous voice had a place in the paranormal.
*angry Theresa stare* https://t.co/LZl72KgpZU
— Fire Breathing Unicorn ??? (@FireBUnicorn) July 26, 2022
So much activity, especially dark or negative, is often blamed on indigenous people…who are represented where on any of the paranormal shows? Besides The Ghost Brothers, the TV shows are mostly white and male-dominated. When I read Theresa’s tweet, it made me sad. And mad. And more aware.
9. Show fear
Express Fear
— My Sacred Life (@LexzLex) July 25, 2022
Personally, I’m not sure I agree with this one. A lot of people say you’re not supposed to show fear during investigations because negative entities (and demons) can feed off of it and become stronger. But fear is hard to control. You may be able to put on a poker face, but controlling your body’s physical reactions —and chemicals— is a whole other thing.
Does fear have an odor? Can spirits “smell” it? Or sense it somehow? I don’t know. That may be useful in attracting them. That is why you’re investigating after all, right? To find evidence of the Otherside? I say use that fear.
Just be sure to defer to numbers 2 and 3 above. Those are still things you never want to do during a paranormal investigation. If you don’t think you can control your reactions, ghost hunting might not be the right activity for you.
10. Assume folks are mentally stable
Attribute every little thing to the paranormal. Escalate situations for ~the drama~. Work with families/couples that haven’t gone through a mental health eval.
— Allison Rose (@ARoseMartinez) July 25, 2022
We’ve already covered a couple of the things in Allison’s tweet, but she brings up another key issue. A lot of the time, people aren’t experiencing external hauntings. They’re haunted by their own personal demons.
Which reminded me of some of the stories featured in Eli Roth’s A Ghost Ruined My Life. If your investigation takes you into a family’s personal home, you need to make sure to take their mental well-being, as well as any possible drug or alcohol use, into account.
11. Make money
Make money
— ~Victicious~ (@psychopsychic) July 25, 2022
Charging for a paranormal investigation is a major no-no. This goes back to #6. If you can’t physically remove an entity, you have no business charging for your “services.”
However, if you’re looking for a side hustle, there are legitimate ways to make money in the paranormal. But scamming people isn’t one of them.
12. Fall asleep
Be the first to fall asleep… https://t.co/NjGyRjcmO4 pic.twitter.com/iWYpf6uqsi
— Spooky Dad ? (@theslutcemetery) July 26, 2022
Okay, this one doesn’t really apply to any para shows. Mostly it’s just good advice for investigators in general. Especially if you investigate with tricksters who won’t hesitate to have some fun at your expense while you’re catching some Zs.
13. Fake it
Fake it
— Glen Ashworth (@Beavers205) July 26, 2022
Last, but not least —and perhaps most important— is this one that Glen so succinctly summed up. While faking it may be tempting for attention-seekers, it not only hurts them in the long run but the paranormal as a whole overall. The last thing the paranormal needs is more reasons for people to laugh at or doubt the possibility of life after death, aliens, etc. If you’re not going to move things forward, step aside and make room for those who really want to.
Check-In
What would you add to this list of things you should never do during a paranormal investigation?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, as well as obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of healing, to learn how she channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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My number one thing would be don’t jump to conclusions, but it’s already on the list. I think that has to be balanced with taking eye-witness accounts seriously. Sometimes investigators aren’t going to get evidence, and I don’t think that proves there isn’t a haunting. No need to discredit a sincere witness.
More wise words from you, Priscilla! It’s true. Activity isn’t a guarantee and just because someone says they experienced something but others don’t have that same experience doesn’t negate what happened to the experiencer. Yet, as humans, I think we naturally do that. We don’t meant to, but sometimes empathy seems to be hard for us. Not all of us. Some have an easier time relating more than others. But whether it’s having a paranormal experience or being sick, the majority of people have a hard time relating if they haven’t personally experienced something. FANTASTIC point and once again so beautifully worded!
I sometimes wondered if investigators were actually talking over potential evidence in certain circumstances…
Hi, Courtney! Here is a statement you made in this post: “But the more important point came in the last sentence. Technically, ghosts, demons, Bigfoot, etc don’t exist. Sure, lots of people will tell you they do, but there is no hard and fast proof that conclusively verifies any claim. Until there is, no one can truly profess to know anything. It’s all guesses right now.”
I would have to disagree with you wholeheartedly! I have experienced, first-hand, scratches on my body, shadow figures (numerous times), poltergeist activity (numerous times), partial or full-body apparitions (few times), and so many other proofs of the paranormal, that there are simply too many to count. Also, we have seen and heard hundreds upon thousands of pieces of “hard and fast proof”/evidence on paranormal shows. So where you got your statement is beyond me. YOU may be guessing, but good investigators don’t guess, they either know or they don’t! Making stuff up detracts from the entire experience. That is why we only go for “hard and fast proof,” and my teams have acquired plenty of it!
By the way, I love your story of how you battled cancer! It has been a blight on my family for years. And it is so good to hear a positive cancer experience for once! Kudos to you, and keep up the battle! You and your life are worth it! How do I sign up, so I stop getting that silly black “hover” icon? Thank you.
So true, Willow! “Silence is golden” and all of that.
Hey, Troy. Not trying to diminish or dismiss anyone’s personal experiences. They are valid. I’ve had multiple myself. But sadly those are not proof of anything. It’s akin to circumstantial evidence, yes. But none of it is a smoking gun or actual scientific evidence. The fact is, what’s being “captured” may be anomalies with the equipment or perception. Because no one knows what ghost matter is compromised of so it’s all just guesses as to what’s being truly measured, detected or recorded.
Again, that’s not to say nothing is happening. It’s unexplained, sure. But without knowing what exactly needs to be measured, it’s impossible to know if the tools currently being employed are verifying anything or not. That’s not to say they shouldn’t be used. No one knows where the breakthrough will come from that provides that “Ah ha!” moment.
Plus, as people we’re naturally biased. So if you believe in ghosts already, that’s what you’re looking for proof of to confirm your bias. That’s not to say it’s good or bad. It’s just human nature.
But there are other things that most investigators don’t do or know about themselves before they head into investigations and it can cloud judgment too. I’m working on a post about it in fact, but understanding who we are first is as important as trying to determine if a place is haunted or we’re having experiences. That includes taking tests that measure our vision and perception, our hearing, and knowing our religious beliefs. Which, yes, most people know whether they believe or subscribe to a certain religion or not, but a lot discount its impact on how they interpret the world and how it affects and influences their paranormal investigation style.
And then there are the actual areas being investigated. Most are not checked for natural causes first. People just hear they’re haunted and go in with that bias and expectation. But is there something generating an EMF field? Are there toxins present? Ones that can generate everything from feeling sick to hallucinations?
Ghost shows are pure entertainment. Not a one of them does a true scientific investigation or looks at all the possible causes for what’s happening. One of the closest I’ve seen is The House in Between series, though.
And some great references to check out about whether ghosts exist or not are these:
https://www.livescience.com/26697-are-ghosts-real.html
https://www.snexplores.org/article/science-ghosts
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/6-possible-scientific-reasons-for-ghosts/
Love discussions like these. It leads to new thinking and THAT’S how proving ghosts exist (or not) is going to happen. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks so much, Troy. I’m sorry to hear you and your family are acquainted with cancer too. And I don’t know what the black hover icon is. Does it say anything? Are you on your phone? What is it trying to get you to sign up for?
Courtney, my wife and I are trying to start up a ghost hunting team in the St. Louis area (we live on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River just across from STL). Craigslist is a joke. EVERY SINGLE time we put up a wanted list, they flag it and pull it down. Absolutely ridiculous and completely uncalled for. We don’t get it. Anyhow, do you have any ideas of how to advertise or find people who would be interested. We would be looking more for a husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend team and a medium or sensitive to join us. I am early-retired, and my wife does not work, so our days and nights are free all the time. We have plenty of gear and can always get more if needed. Can you point us in the right direction? We just don’t know where else to go since our terrible experiences with Craigslist and everything and everyone being at the whim of the Internet these days. I keep entering the URL to my website, and it keeps telling me to enter a URL. That makes no sense . Thank you, my friend. Troy
Hey Troy, I would suggest trying MeetUp.com. Or if you guys are on Twitter or Facebook or some other kind of social media like that where you could try to get to know people. But creating a MeetUp in your area or seeing if there is one already is how I’d start. Good luck!