A startling estimate of three in four Americans believe in the paranormal. That's approximately two hundred and thirty-four billion out of three hundred and twelve billion Americans. Growing paranormal interest negatively impacts a community. The economic influence of the paranormal can destroy a city and its reputation. Furthermore, belief in the paranormal can leave a person mentally disturbed and cause learned helplessness. This, which affects people, can harm a community if a person affected by either is put in a position of power. Furthermore, as seen in the late Victorian era, belief in the supernatural can lead people to turn against each other in large numbers and, in turn, destroy their community. First of all, the growth of curiosity about the paranormal can have unintended effects on the community. economy. The popularity of television programs and websites dedicated to finding haunted locations is increasing. This is especially common in rural areas where jobs are needed to revive the flagging economy. Owners of small inns and age-old buildings found in rural areas are now seeking the stamp of approval of such paranormal investigations found in these television programs and websites. These rural companies thought they had the right idea to bring business to their small towns, but did they ever stop to think about the damage their actions would have on their communities? These little inns, century-old buildings, etc., are calling in these paranormal investigators to determine whether or not their business is haunted. In most cases, these investigators are paid, which can influence their determination of whether or not the location is haunted. Furthermore, some companies may throw… middle of paper… no, the existence of this possibility is harming our country. Works Cited Kennedy, J. E., & Kanthamani, H. (1995). An exploratory study on the effects of paranormal and spiritual experiences on people's lives and well-being. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 89, 249–264. Kennedy, J. E., & Taddonio, J. L. (1976). Experimenter effects in parapsychological research. Journal of Parapsychology, 40, 1-33. Also at http://jeksite.org/psi/jp76.pdf Journal of the Paranormal by Stacy. Pages 32-35. Volume 31. Number 4. Published by Awesome Publishing. September 2011. Information on life, consciousness, quantum physics and paranormal phenomena. (2010), JE Kennedy, http://jeksite.org/psi/info1.pdf Personality and motivation to believe, disbelieve, and disbelieve in paranormal phenomena. (2005) Journal of Parapsychology. Volume 69, pp.263-292.