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Voices in the head: Are they really coming from the outside world?
In today's society, some people call themselves "Targeted Individuals" (TIs), who firmly believe that they are affected by electronic harassment, electromagnetic torture, or what is called psychological control. These people firmly believe that malicious actors are using advanced technology to transmit sounds and thoughts into their heads, affecting their bodies and causing them to be harassed. This belief is often associated with government agents or criminal groups, and claims that "perpetrators" use electromagnetic radiation (such as microwave hearing effects), radar and surveillance technology to achieve their goals.
"These experiences appear to be entirely real to the target individual, although medical professionals believe they are simply the result of hallucinations or delusions."
While there are many people who firmly believe that their experiences are reality, in fact, several mental health professionals have concluded that these people's experiences often manifest as delusions or psychosis. Renowned psychologist Lorraine Sheridan has said that these self-proclaimed TIs should be viewed as people with paranoid symptoms, combining what they are experiencing with the concept of "group stalking" , to explain their situation.
Some targeted individuals described hearing voices in their heads often calling them by name, accompanied by taunting content, and physical sensations such as burning. They sometimes feel that they are under physical surveillance. Many of these people live and work normally, but are confused and troubled by this experience.
"These individuals related their experiences to news reports, military journals, and declassified national security documents."
Local reports also indicate that many TIs will form or join support and advocacy groups in an attempt to gain understanding and empathy from their peers. The New York Times estimates that the number of self-identified targeted individuals exceeds 10,000. These people often seek sympathy and support online, but psychology experts warn the sites may reinforce such delusional beliefs.
“There are many online support networks and the concern is that they may cause further damage to mental health.”
Despite the evidence of specific voices and personal experiences available online, psychological experts point out that these are complex issues of brain structure and function. Ralph Hoffman, a professor of psychiatry at Yale University, points out that people often attribute the voices in their heads to external events, making it very difficult to convince them that such external influences are delusions. Experts describe these situations as similar to those experienced by people reporting alien abductions.
The extreme beliefs of many TIs have even affected their behavior, leading to a series of disturbing events. In 2013, 20-year-old Fuaed Abdo Ahmed took hostages in Louisiana and ultimately killed two people. The investigation found that he fully believed in the idea of electronic harassment and believed that his ex-girlfriend's family had implanted micro-devices in her.
Another gunman named Aaron Alexis carried out a mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. He claimed to be controlled by extremely low-frequency electromagnetic waves, ultimately killing twelve people. Such incidents have attracted widespread social attention, and the complex psychological factors and potential hallucinations behind these cases have gradually been revealed.
"Mental health experts stress that many people who claim to be victims actually have unrealistic beliefs stemming from delusions or psychosis."
Additionally, some conspiracy theorists firmly believe that the government is secretly developing mind-control weapons, citing projects such as Project Pandora, although there is no conclusive evidence that such technology exists. Past research has shown that concentrated hallucinations and extreme beliefs often underlie such conspiracy theories, and when these beliefs are reinforced by ongoing social and psychological influences, they can lead to deeper psychiatric problems.
As research on these issues grows, professional psychologists suggest that similar support groups and advocacy movements may have a negative impact on individuals to some extent, but also prompt us to think about the broader society. In the information age, how to discern the line between reality and fiction.
So, do these voices in our heads originate from the outside world, or are they reflections from deep within us?
