Actually the opposite is probably more accurate. A major percentage of the world's population still resides along rivers, canals, ports, and surf.
The 'Remote Viewing' topic and those associated with it such as Dames are also closely associated with very direct occultic behaviors. (His name and associates is about as close to being directly linked with 'devil worship' within DOD/Intel as I've observed.)
There is a lunatic fringe associated with that language, more technically inclined than, say, dowsers or hypnotists, but just as adament in its success.
I would tend to be gracious as classify it as a 'spiritual' phenomenon, however, IMHO there is another question as to whether the spirits involved are malevolently deceiving or sent by God.
I don't have a clue about any of the Remote Viewing topic, and not much more about lunatic fringes :~D
Much agree.