Why do stories of “bad luck” spread so easily?

Psychologists explain that human beings naturally seek out patterns.

If someone suffers a misfortune shortly after breaking a traditional rule, it is easy to link the two events, even if they have no relation to each other.

This tendency, known as   pattern recognition  , helped early humans survive, but it can also reinforce superstitious thinking.

Once enough stories circulate, the belief strengthens.

Social media amplifies this effect, allowing sensationalist claims to spread to millions of people in a matter of hours.