The Problem With TV Psychics and Paranormal Investigators (1)

Im sure many of you have wondered why and how almost every episode of Ghost Adventures seems to capture Grade A EVPs, photos, audio AND video evidence. My simple answer is this : These investigations are not done over a 10 or 12 or even 24 hour "lock down" as it appears on TV. The illusion that it does is courtesy of careful editing and clip timing. Real, thorough investigations can take days, weeks or even months. I can tell you first hand, because I've not only assisted in the investigation of my previous home along with a paranormal team, but I have also investigated various haunted locations on my own, briefly. The hour or two I spend at the location leaves me with general information and energy. Rarely any quality, or bountiful physical evidence like Zak Bagans and his crew get. I can also tell you that investigations, more often than not, are boring. Yes, boring. It is a lot of waiting and coaxing information. The spirits and energy do not perform on cue as it appears in the show. 

You may now be asking yourself, why? Why are they getting SO much evidence on EVERY SINGLE EPISODE? Below Ill discuss some of the main reasons why. 

1. Like I said above, these investigations take a lot longer than it seems. The crew is most likely there for days, splicing small audio clips together to make it look like they got a substantial amount of evidence during a short period of time. 

2. Made up evidence? A source from reliable site "Quora" says : 

"I worked as the psychic for a paranormal team that was on Zac's reality show he did. It was a total joke. You cannot have a sterile environment in any paranormal investigation no matter how hard you try. Often EVP's are proved to be actual conversations of team members."

-Kimberly McGeorge

Full Article From Quora

3. Losing Ratings? Now, I understand that this is an entertainment television show. They need to keep the ratings up and the viewer numbers high. However, I feel that shouldnt take priority over maintaining their reputation that they claim to have worked so hard for so many years to obtain. Once the crew started bringing D list celebrities on the show, they lost a bit of my respect. Lately, it has become more about shock factor and bringing in guests, or prolonging interviews to build up the hype for the investigation that now seems to only last for 1/4 of the hour long program. 

4. Misrepresenting evidence? Just like the crew has been accused of faking evidence, it is also possible they have been misrepresenting evidence. Or presenting a sound or audio / video clip as something more or other than what it is. For example : Have you ever listened to an audio clip to play, and you just, for the life of you cannot hear actual words? Well, that probably means there are not any words being spoken. Its possible they are playing a general sound of scuffle, while putting words up on the tv screen, to suggest to you what you should be hearing. 

5. Im just going to come right out and say there is no possible way Zak and his crew members are getting jumped / possessed THAT much. Even with Zaks aggression, "demons" dont jump or possess just anyone because they can. 

Now that weve briefly discussed some of the issues with the investigation process overall, Id like to take this time to focus on Zak in particular. Now, if you have watched even just one episode of Ghost Adventures, you most likely have seen Zak provoke or "call out" one or more spirits. Not only is this dangerous, but it is just plain stupid and wrong. Below, are the main issues with Zak's overly aggressive approach :

1. He does NOT have actual abilities - Not once has Zak eluded to or straight up stated he has abilities. Thats why he brings in psychics, mediums and people with a myriad of abilities and skills, right? Therefore, he really has no clue what he is doing. After seeing one spirit, he set out on a mission to capture what he once saw, right? He doesnt know, or at least he doesnt feel the need to use respectful, efficient, or correct forms of communication. 

2. Condoning the use of ouija boards - Ouija boards have been used a couple of episodes and was even the focal point of the "Zozo Demon" episode. Bottom line, the ouija should have never been used in the first place, for any reason. Its dangerous. 

3. He is not an ordained or qualified individual - Zak is not ordained or officially qualified / educated on demonology, the occult or the spirit world in any way. As said above, he isnt a medium, psychic or anything, but possibly a sensitive. He should not be calling out anything or trying to get rid of anything on his own. 

4. Improper use of white sage, a sacred medicine - In one episode, Zak is clearly shown using white sage with negative intentions. He used the white sage with the intention to, and I quote "to piss [the entity] off". He then lit the sacred medicine and aggressively called out said spirit. 

5. The fame has gone to his head - Zak's attitude toward the show and how he conducts himself have changed quite a bit from the very first seasons. I believe that his role had inflated his ego, making him think he invincible and can do no wrong. How he behaves is the exact opposite of how you need to conduct yourself during a legit, live, real life investigation. If anyone acted like Zak during an investigation I was doing theyd be kicked out immediately. 

Final Thoughts :

Now, please do not take my issues personally or as an attack on the show or any investigator. I was a true fan, and still am of their earlier work. Lately, I just feel they have dropped their standards to an unacceptable low. Do I think the show is complete bull and faked? No. But I think it is heavily exaggerated, misrepresented and spreads a false,  at times disrespectful and dangerous image of what investigating the paranormal is all about.