Hi friends! Happy Friday! I hope you're as excited about the weekend as I am! For this week's Freaky Friday Files, I thought we'd do a deep dive into the mobile app Randonautica because I just think this is interesting AF.
Quick Disclaimer - I am a sociologist (social scientist), not a physicist so if some of the physics information isn't quite right, please feel free to correct me - I am always open to constructive criticism that is kind. Also apologies if I miss an incorrect spelling of Randonautica - it's hard to spell hehe!
I was inspired by a YouTuber who recently did a video on this topic that I've been watching a lot of lately and that's HannahTheHorrible - I'll post her video below that inspired me (she does a lot of videos on creepy and disturbing topics and often debunks scary/paranormal videos so make sure to check her out if you're into that sorta stuff). I want to make videos like her because I feel like we're kinda similar although I think she's A LOT smarter than I am lol.
So let's start with the basics shall we?
According to Wikipedia, "Randonautica (a portmanteau of "random" + "nautica") is an app launched on February 22, 2020 founded by Auburn Salcedo and Joshua Lengfelder." The mobile app (application) randomly generates coordinates that enable the user to explore their area and report on the findings. The official Randonautica page can be found "here." It states that it's the world's first "Create Your Own Adventure App" - sidenote this reminds me of those choose your own adventure novels we all read in primary school with different endings.
The website claims the following:
"Quantumly random - Randonautica puts you in the director's chair of an adventure yet to be written. Break from your mundane day-to-day and take a journey of randomness into the world around you."
"Mind matter mind matters - Your mind is your guide as you observe and view the world differently. Traveling into the unknown is a journey like no other!"
"A whole new world - Re-calibrate your mind on an exciting adventure into the world you never knew existed. Wander into Wonder with Randonautica!"
The website also has 9 tenets (aka beliefs/principles) - this kinda has religious undertones IMO. But here are the 9 tenets:
Seeing in the dark - the app is dedicated to exploring "blind spots" - like places we wouldn't normally go.
Venture mindfully - make sure you pay attention and practice both safety and situational awareness.
Be sincere - always show compassion and willingness to understand yourself and others.
High vibes intent - always strive to maintain a positive mindset.
Value inner life - "Appreciation towards the self as the catalyst for an effect on the external environment."
Bridge cultural gaps - share experiences and learn about global consciousness.
Transform and shift - be curious and test the theory of quantum randomisation.
Bring a trash bag - make sure to be respectful of the place you explore and leave it better than how you found it (aka pick up rubbish where you can).
Synchronicity - "Diving into randomness to find connections and meaning for both the individual and the community. Using serendipitous occurrences to guide you on your path."
So that's the 9 tenets - I've paraphrased some and quoted the ones I wasn't able to but you can read them on the Randonautica website I linked above. I find it interesting how they are trying to connect quantum physics, confirmation bias, and philosophy altogether. Now, I'm not a quantum physicist so that part I might struggle to explain but I have always been interested in collective consciousness and things like ESP (Extrasensory Perception) but I do think this app can just be explained with confirmation bias (+ manifestation) but let's talk about all these things from a sociological perspective, because that is what I do best.
Definitions
Quantum Mechanics - a scientific theory that describes the behaviour of nature "at and below the scale of atoms."
Confirmation Bias - where we search for, interpret, and recall information that aligns with our own belief system already. People will often ignore information that doesn't support their worldview.
Philosophy - a systematic study of general and fundamental questions. Such questions usually discuss existence, knowledge, language, mind, reason etc.
Sociology - the study of human society, behaviours and how people interact with each other (my specialty!)
Psychology - the scientific study of mind and behaviour (I also have a BA in Psychology)
Collective Consciousness - the set of shared beliefs, moral attitudes, and ideas that operate as a unifying force within society (referring to a shared understanding of social norms).
Extrasensory Perception (ESP) - "a claimed paranormal ability pertaining to reception of information not gained through recognized physical senses, but sensed with the mind."
Derive (Guy Debord's Theory) - an unplanned journey through some sort of landscape, usually urban in nature where participants stop focusing on their everyday relations to their social environment. Basically, this means that you're ignoring what's going on in your world and allowing yourself to be drawn to whatever catches your attention or awareness outside.
Chaos Theory - a scientific study and branch of mathematics that focuses on "deterministic laws of dynamical systems that are highly sensitive to initial conditions." Yeah, this theory makes my brain hurt.
How it works?
The app is available on both Android and IOS. The Randonautica adventure can be a short walk, long walk, bike ride, or drive. You use the map on the app to decide which area/radius you would like to stay in.
Step 1 - set your desired radius.
Step 2 - select the type of GPS point you want to generate. There are three options - attractor, void, or anomaly.
Anomalies include: a) attractors - dense clusters of random points within your radius, b) voids - clusters with low density, and c) power - if you choose this option then you will be provided with a location that is the most deviated from a or b. There are also "blind spots" which are random points.
Step 3 - set your intention or theme for your adventure (they use the term quantum entropy but this is really just confirmation bias because you're setting your intention before your trip so your mind is gonna look for that anyway) and then coincidences occur. You can also choose to keep your trip random and see what you find.
If you do play this app, make sure you are responsible and respectful - like don't play it alone (take a friend or 2), don't go on private property (aka don't trespass), if something feels off, maybe listen to your gut, and the website recommends only playing during the day.
The creators claim that the app is based/inspired by two theories - chaos theory and Guy Debord's Theory of Derive (linked above). The best way I think of this app is that is very similar to geocaching or how Pokemon Go works.
There are even subreddits dedicated to the game on Reddit. These are as follows:
That Suitcase Murder
I should get to why I'm discussing this app under my Freaky Friday Files because there was one really notable "controversial" case where some teenagers were playing Randonautica and found two suitcases washed up on a beach that helped solve a murder case. This experience was posted on TikTok and in the video, the teenagers did the right thing and called the police.
This occurred back in 2020 in Seattle. Once police were notified and came to the scene, they found two dead bodies in the washed-up suitcases - a 27-year-old female and a 36-year-old male. By August 2020, Michael Lee Dudley had been charged with "two counts of murder by second degree." The victim's names were Austin Wenner and Jessica Lewis. The two victims were tenets of Dudley and before he shot them, there was allegedly an argument about unpaid rent.
I believe TikTok took down the original video from the teenagers (or they were asked to) - but you can see the original in "this yt video." According to a Reddit thread, the teenager's intent was just "travel." Spooky. However, solving a murder case is a really good thing (IMO). The creators were shocked at the disturbing incident and reached out to the teens to make sure they were okay.
Why is Randonautica trending again?
I would say that back in 2020, the whole world went into lockdown, and being allowed to go for walks only - was all we could really do to stay sane, so of course this app took off during a global pandemic. The murder case discussed above and the fact that YouTuber Emma Chamberlain posted a video about it probably helped. She has since deleted the video, but it can be found on this channel "here."
But why is this app suddenly trending again in 2024? As the world opened back up following the pandemic, the app kinda disappeared from the limelight for a while because, well, people got back on with their lives but recently, people have been taking to social media again to post their creepy experiences with the app.
Examples can be seen from this site - https://www.trillmag.com/life/social-media/why-randonautica-is-trending-again/ (I will quote some below).
"TikTok user @grape4loko shared a story in which she manifested the theme of “death” while Randonauting. The point generated led her to a random intersection. She reported being on her phone, confused by the point location, when the light turned green. Seconds later, a car “barreled through the red light.” She believes that if she had not been on her phone, she would have been hit by the car."
"@jaime_davis, shared a similar experience manifesting the same theme. Reportedly, the app began to lead her to a spot where someone she knew had passed away in a car accident. When she reached the spot, she discovered another car had just crashed in a similar manner, and no EMT had arrived yet."
"Reddit user @karliecube shared a story in which they manifested a “doorway to the paranormal.” The point generated led them to the edge of their cousin’s farmland property, where they coincidentally found an old door lying in the grass."
Some sociological reasons as to why the app is trending again in 2024:
A post-pandemic wanderlust - As people continue to seek new ways to explore and reconnect with the world after the pandemic, apps like Randonautica provide a novel way to satisfy wanderlust without extensive planning or travel. The element of surprise and adventure resonates with those looking for spontaneity.
Renewed interest in mysticism and the paranormal - There's been a resurgence in interest in mysticism, the paranormal, and alternative experiences. Randonautica fits into this trend by offering an experience that feels mysterious and potentially otherworldly, drawing in those fascinated by the unknown. I would say the fact that ghost-hunting videos are still popular by famous YouTubers probably helps this.
Social Media Influence (mainly TikTok) - Short, engaging videos of users’ experiences, often with suspenseful or eerie music, have captured the attention of younger audiences, fueling the app’s renewed popularity.
Technological Curiosity - The use of quantum technology and the idea of randomness intrigues many people, especially those interested in the intersection of technology and the unknown. This curiosity has led to a revival in the app’s usage as people explore the science behind it.
The SCIENCE behind Randonautica!!
Quantum Random Number Generation: Randonautica claims to use quantum random number generators (QRNGs) to produce the coordinates. QRNGs rely on the principles of quantum mechanics, which are inherently unpredictable. This distinguishes them from algorithmic random number generators, which are deterministic and can be predicted if the algorithm is known. I don't know how true this is though - it could just be randomly generated.
Psychogeography: The app also touches on the concept of psychogeography, which studies the effects of the geographical environment on individuals' emotions and behaviours. By leading users to random places, Randonautica inadvertently encourages them to reflect on their surroundings and how these places make them feel, blending exploration with introspection.
Confirmation Bias and Apophenia: Users often report finding something significant or eerie at the random coordinates, but this is largely due to confirmation bias—the tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. Apophenia, the tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated things, also plays a role, as users may see patterns or significance in random events during their adventures.
The Sociology of Randonautica
Exploration and Adventure: Randonautica taps into the human desire for adventure and exploration. By providing random locations, it encourages users to step out of their comfort zones and explore areas they might not otherwise visit. This aligns with the growing trend of experiential activities, where people seek unique and memorable experiences rather than material possessions.
Social Media and Viral Challenges: The app became a sensation partly due to its association with social media challenges. Users often document their experiences, sharing eerie or surprising findings, which can go viral. This creates a feedback loop, with more people downloading the app to try it themselves, hoping to capture their own extraordinary moments.
Collective Participation: Randonautica fosters a sense of community, with users sharing their adventures and findings online. This collective participation adds to the app's appeal, as people feel they are part of a larger movement or trend. The mystery and unpredictability also create a shared narrative, where users exchange stories of coincidence, serendipity, or even paranormal experiences.
Some interesting user experiences from Reddit:
"My intention was "Glitch", kind of looking for a sign to know if the reality we live in is a simulation. Guess I found it." from user https://www.reddit.com/user/callmediane13/
"I went to an attractor point with the intention of seeing a spirit of sorts. It brought me to a spot I used to hang out with an old friend who passed a couple years ago. I still can’t believe it brought me to this exact point. Funny how I kept visualizing seeing him." from user https://www.reddit.com/user/largeclams/
"This is by far the coolest thing I’ve ever found. This little forest shack (not near any road) built over a running stream. Set intention too “something forgotten”" from user https://www.reddit.com/user/Itsyaboychicho/
Some Randonautica TikToks to watch!
This one is definitely a conspiracy theory but it would be interesting if it turned out to be true - https://www.tiktok.com/@imnotgdub/video/7378364820833324331?lang=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@haydenvio/video/7383871388408450350?lang=en&q=randonautica&t=1724730837603
https://www.tiktok.com/@rainabaig/video/6843491501712952582?lang=en&q=randonautica&t=1724730837603
Okie, what about the connection between Randonautica and ESP?
Linking the Randonautica app with Extrasensory Perception (ESP) adds an intriguing layer of mysticism and speculation to the experience. ESP, often referred to as the "sixth sense," includes phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition—abilities that supposedly allow individuals to perceive information beyond the five senses.
Intuition and Synchronicity: Some Randonautica users believe that the app's random coordinates are not entirely random but are somehow influenced by their thoughts or intentions. This ties into the idea of ESP, where individuals might subconsciously guide the app to a location that holds personal significance or aligns with their intuitive thoughts. This perceived connection between thought and outcome can be seen as a form of synchronicity—a meaningful coincidence that some interpret as a sign of psychic influence.
Psychic Intentions: The app encourages users to set an intention before generating a location. This practice mirrors the process in some ESP experiments where individuals focus on a particular outcome or idea, hoping to manifest or perceive something specific. Users who find that their Randonauting experiences match their intentions may attribute this to a form of ESP, believing their thoughts influenced the outcome in a way that goes beyond coincidence.
Clairvoyance and Precognition: Stories of users finding objects or encountering situations that seem eerily connected to their intentions can lead to speculation about clairvoyance (perceiving distant or unseen things) or precognition (foreseeing events). For example, someone might set an intention to find "something blue," and then be led to a place where they encounter a significant blue object. This could be interpreted as the app tapping into some latent psychic ability.
Collective Consciousness: Some theories suggest that Randonautica taps into a collective consciousness or shared psychic energy, where the random locations are somehow connected to broader human experiences or thoughts. This idea is somewhat aligned with Carl Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious and suggests that ESP might not be limited to individual minds but could involve a shared psychic network that influences the app's outcomes.
Apophenia and ESP: While many experiences can be explained by psychological phenomena like apophenia (seeing patterns in random data), the belief in ESP adds an additional layer where these patterns are not just coincidences but evidence of a psychic connection. Users might interpret random or coincidental events during their Randonauting as proof of their ESP abilities.
Questions that I have about this app personally!
Should I try to play it and see what happens? Comment below if you want me to and I'll try and convince Luke to come with me and we'll film a vlog.
Don't we already know that collective shared memories are a thing due to the mandala effect?
How do some people play this app without thinking about confirmation bias?
Why are people still trespassing due to this app and similar ones like geocaching and pokemon?
Why do people manifest creepy things? Like I kinda get it and I kinda don't.
Why did Emma Chamberlain delete her vlog about it? Was it because nothing happened?
If you set your intention as something and you tell someone else, are you more likely to find what you're looking for?
Is it more likely for nothing to happen than something to happen?
Should I make a YouTube video about Randonautica in general like Hannah did?
Conclusion
In conclusion, this blog post has provided an in-depth exploration of Randonautica, highlighting the reasons behind its renewed popularity in 2024. We’ve delved into the various theories and concepts that attempt to explain how it works, offering a closer look at the intriguing mechanics behind the app. Additionally, we’ve ventured into broader sociological topics, considering the cultural and social implications of Randonautica's impact and why it continues to capture the collective imagination. Through this discussion, we’ve gained a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon and its place in today’s digital landscape.
Thank you for reading! Much love,
Ash xoxo
PS if you've been randonauting before, let me know about your experience in the comments!
PPS: Some fun YouTube videos you might like to watch (if I make my own - I'll add in in to the top).
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