The Intersection of Science and Religious Ritual: Exploring Ritualistic Practices Among Science Students for Experimental Success

In recent years, on social media, there has been an intriguing rise in the practice of religious rituals among researchers. These rituals predominantly occur during challenging periods and when researchers face impending deadlines, serving as coping mechanisms to manage the stress and uncertainty inherent in scientific research. This study employs discourse analysis and data mining techniques to investigate this phenomenon by analyzing content from Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese social media platform. Using the hashtag "實驗室玄學" (Laboratory Metaphysics), we examined more than 2,000 posts to understand the motivations and experiences of these researchers. Common rituals include avoiding statements like "this is the last set of experiments," expressing love towards experimental subjects, praying to experimental instruments, wearing the same color and style of clothing worn on previous successful experiment days, visiting temples for blessings, and following the procedures inherited from senior students. These rituals not only provide emotional comfort but also create a sense of continuity and stability amidst the often unpredictable nature of scientific research. Our findings reveal a complex interplay between scientific rigor and religious beliefs, suggesting that these rituals help researchers maintain emotional resilience and a positive outlook. Additionally, most students reported experiencing and understanding the importance of self-love and self-care through practicing these rituals. By investigating these practices, our study contributes to the sociological understanding of how contemporary researchers navigate the intersection of faith and empirical inquiry. This exploration sheds light on the broader implications for the sociology of religion and science, highlighting the ways in which personal beliefs and cultural practices can influence scientific endeavors. Furthermore, the study underscores the need for a more nuanced perspective on the role of non-scientific practices in the scientific community, advocating for a more inclusive approach to understanding the diverse strategies that researchers employ to achieve success in their work.