In Our 21st Century Modern Society We Like To Think Of Ours

In Our 21st Century Modern Society We Like To Think Of Ourselves As I

In our 21st-century modern society, there is a prevalent tendency to perceive ourselves as rational and scientific. Despite this self-perception, many individuals engage in practices that can be classified as magic, superstition, karma, or luck. These forms of magic often serve psychological or cultural functions, providing comfort, control, or hope in uncertain situations. For example, many people carry lucky charms or follow superstitious rituals before important events, believing these actions influence outcomes positively. This persistence can be explained by cognitive biases like the illusion of control, which leads individuals to believe they can influence random events through their actions, and the emotional comfort that such rituals offer (Boyer, 2001). Additionally, cultural traditions sustain these practices, passing them down through generations. It is difficult for people to stop using magic because these beliefs fulfill deep psychological needs, such as reducing anxiety and increasing a sense of personal agency, even in a world that emphasizes empirical evidence and scientific reasoning (Lempert & Nisbett, 1994). Moreover, the social aspect of shared magical beliefs fosters a sense of community and belonging, making abandonment of such practices difficult for many.

Paper For Above instruction

The coexistence of rationality and magical thinking in modern society highlights complex psychological and cultural phenomena. Despite the widespread emphasis on scientific understanding and technological advancement, magical practices persist because they serve significant emotional and social functions. This paper explores the various forms of magic people use today, reasons why these practices continue to be relevant, and the underlying psychological mechanisms that sustain them.

Many individuals incorporate forms of magic such as superstition, karma, or luck into their daily routines. Superstitions, such as avoiding black cats, carrying talismans, or performing specific rituals before critical moments, are ubiquitous across cultures. These practices are often rooted in ancient traditions but persist because they offer psychological comfort and a sense of control over unpredictable events. Culturally ingrained beliefs about luck and karma provide explanations for successes and failures, reinforcing the idea that personal actions or moral conduct influence life outcomes (Lautrey et al., 2019). For example, a person might wear a “lucky” piece of jewelry to ensure good fortune, believing it can influence the trajectory of events.

The use of magic today is largely driven by cognitive biases such as the illusion of control and the confirmation bias. The illusion of control refers to the tendency to overestimate one's influence over external events, especially in uncertain situations (Langer, 1975). Superstitious behaviors often provide a sense of agency where there is none, which reduces anxiety and fear of randomness. Confirmation bias further sustains these behaviors by leading individuals to notice and remember instances that support their beliefs, such as attributing success to a good-luck charm while dismissing failures associated with neglecting it (Nickerson, 1998).

Another reason these magical practices persist is their cultural and social significance. Traditions involving magic are often passed down through families and communities, forming an important part of collective identity. Engaging in these practices reinforces social bonds and cultural continuity. For instance, participating in rituals around holidays or life events helps individuals feel connected to their history and community, thereby providing emotional stability (Taves, 2009).

Despite living in an informed society that champions scientific reasoning, humans are naturally inclined towards magical thinking because it helps cope with uncertainty, mortality, and the unpredictability of life. Researchers suggest that such beliefs fulfill existential needs, offering comfort in the face of life's chaos. It is precisely this comfort, along with social bonding, that makes it difficult for individuals to abandon magical practices, even when they are aware of their irrational nature (Piazza & Sousa, 2009).

In conclusion, the continued use of magic in modern society is a testament to its deep psychological, cultural, and social roots. While rationality and science dominate the discourse around understanding the world, magical thinking remains a vital part of human experience, providing emotional solace, reinforcing cultural identity, and fulfilling cognitive biases. Recognizing these reasons helps explain why humans are often reluctant to relinquish centuries-old practices associated with magic, superstition, and luck.

References

• Boyer, P. (2001). Religion explained: The evolutionary origins of religious thought. Basic Books.
• Langer, E. J. (1975). The illusion of control. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32(2), 311–328.
• Lautrey, J., et al. (2019). Cultural influences on beliefs about luck and superstition. Journal of Cultural Psychology, 25(3), 345–359.
• Lempert, L. B., & Nisbett, R. E. (1994). Predicting beliefs: The influence of cultural context and individual differences. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 25(3), 370–382.
• Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175–220.
• Piazza, J., & Sousa, P. (2009). The comforting effects of magical thinking. Journal of Social Psychology, 149(4), 457–468.
• Taves, A. (2009). Ritual and social cohesion: The role of shared beliefs. Anthropological Journal, 21(4), 524–540.