A new analysis of ghost sightings over the last 30 years suggests scary shadow figures have replaced friendlier human-like and glowing apparitions as the most commonly reported form of ghost.

Paranormal investigator MJ Wayland analysed over 2,000 first-hand ghost accounts from 1994–2012 internet forums and 2024–2026 Reddit posts, finding shadow figures rose from 29% to 50% of sightings describing a figure while human-like figures fell from 47% to 35%.