The Sentinel Afternoon Post: I have a magic power

Bertram R. Forer

I have a magic power. Through this screen, I can tell you things about yourself that I shouldn't be able to know. I know, for example, that you like to be around your friends, but you also like to recharge on your own from time to time. I know that you're very self-critical after a big task, and that you analyse situations a lot. I know that you have many talents, but many of them are underused and underdeveloped.

These are examples of Forer statements. And the Forer effect is when we assume that a general statement about most people applies specifically to us. There are two things that you need for a Forer statement to work. First, the statement has to be so broad and widely applicable that almost anyone can say, "oh, that is so me." Almost all of us like being around other people and then being alone. We all think and analyse situations a lot.

Second, you need to be in a situation or a location where you want the statement to apply to you. For example, if you already believe in horoscopes, you will accept what they have to say. If you want to believe what the fortuneteller is saying, you will think they are reading your mind. But if you think that The Sentinel from WarEra is a fraud, you will think he is making it all up and it is all nonsense.

Forer statements can be fun, but they can also be dangerous because if somebody can make you believe that they understand you, they can also manipulate you. And it might not always be to your benefit.