797: Ouija Boards | Skeptical Sunday

Ideomotor Effect

The ideomotor effect is a psychological phenomenon that explains why users might believe the Ouija board moves by itself. David C. Smalley explains that this effect involves automatic muscular movements that occur without conscious awareness, similar to crying during a sad movie 1. This subconscious movement is what causes the planchette to glide across the board, leading participants to believe they are communicating with spirits. Jordan Harbinger adds that belief plays a significant role in this experience, as individuals often convince themselves of the board's supernatural powers 2.

When you move a hand, you're consciously aware that the hand is moving, but with the Ouija board, you're not.

--- David C. Smalley

This belief can be so strong that even when blindfolded, participants continue to move the planchette, convinced they are not the ones doing it.

   

Power of Belief

Belief in the Ouija board's powers can significantly influence users' perceptions and behaviors, often leading to self-fulfilling prophecies. Jordan Harbinger recounts a story where a woman left her fortune to a spirit she believed she contacted through the Ouija board, illustrating how deeply ingrained these beliefs can become 1. David C. Smalley highlights the dangers of such beliefs, noting that they can lead individuals to make life-altering decisions based on perceived supernatural guidance 3.

There are people who are more susceptible and more vulnerable to believing this type of thing, and those people may act on those beliefs.

--- David C. Smalley

This susceptibility can result in both positive and negative outcomes, as seen in cases where individuals claim the Ouija board guided them to improve their lives or, conversely, led them to harmful actions.