There’s been a ridiculous amount of horoscope content all over social media, and apparently, people are all about it. Why is everyone gravitating toward this kind of content anyway? Is it because they find the terrifying accuracy of horoscopes fascinating? This would have to be the most logical reason why the appeal of horoscopes is so ingrained in people’s lives. But are horoscopes accurate, really, or just wishful thinking?

What’s with the appeal of horoscopes?

Humanity has only looked to the stars for guidance, long before science began to have an impact on us. Astrology appears to play a significant role in people’s lives, even to the point where it is used as a source for solutions and answers. 

This has been the case for the ones who lived way ahead of our time. Up until now, when the influence of science exists in our midst, a staggering amount of people still rely on horoscopes. 

Horoscopes are far from simply telling people what their zodiac sign is; they’re much more than that. Horoscopes go as far as forecasting what the future has in store for you or what type of sign you’re compatible with. 

Other factors come into play here as well. While there are many reasons why people believe in horoscopes, self-discovery, attracting luck, and a constant search for answers are the top three. 

Self-discovery 

People frequently look to astrology for guidance when they feel lost and unsure of who they are. This is particularly true for those who are looking to discover who they are and for those who want to have their personalities validated. 

The twelve zodiac signs that make up horoscopes each have a unique narrative that helps people identify with them. If you’ve had your own bout with horoscopes, you’ve likely encountered an explanation where you found yourself nodding in approval. 

See, that sense of validation is what encourages people to be so drawn to astrology. People often see that horoscopes are able to provide explanations for why they’re exhibiting certain behaviors, and while this may be fun at first glance, in hindsight, it may be used wrongly in a way that people use it as a scapegoat for their negative behavior. 

Attracting luck

Famous artists and actors alike have openly shared their belief in astrology and explained their reasons for believing in it. A prime example would be Lady Gaga; she checks her horoscope daily and uses it as a basis for her tours. 

The alignment of the stars and planets has an effect on the singer, so much so that she made a tweet about it in 2012. 

https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/187606250006134784?s=20&t=-YhHwzV90DxNawMWWC2x4g 

Given that her tours are known to be quite successful, do we have the stars and the planets to thank for that, or do we solely owe it all to her raw talent? We’ll leave the answers up to you. 

Provides clarity 

We’ve mentioned how astrology gives people insights on what their future is going to look like, right? People rely on those very insights as a warning or as guidance when they’re uneasy about the uncertainty of their future. 

Numerous people worry about future uncertainties, according to a 2017 study. People turn to horoscopes in hopes of shifting the outcome of their future. In a way, this grants them control over their fate, and that somehow rids them of their stress and uncertainties. 

Are horoscopes accurate, or are they a scam? 

Horoscopes appear to be accurate for most people, and we have the Barnum Effect to blame for this. If this is the first time you’ve heard of this term, you’re not alone. 

The Barnum effect, named after the P.T. Barnum of circus and showmanship fame, is a psychological phenomenon that refers to the notion that the general statements they see apply to them personally. By reading the Forer experiment, you’ll get a better idea of what the Barnum Effect is like when it’s applied to people. 

In addition, the Barnum effect is often employed by fortune-tellers, astrologers, scam artists, and the like. In short, it’s frequently used by individuals who are notorious for pulling the wool over one’s eyes.

Like Barnum famously said: “There’s a sucker born every minute.”

Certainly, horoscopes are a great form of entertainment. Just perhaps not the best way to make life decisions.

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