What do you think makes this topic such a magnet for elaborate fakes and hoaxes throughout history? I believe it’s important to discuss why certain posts gain traction even when they’re not credible. For instance, the most popular post in the last 30 days features a video of a sphere uploaded by a user who boasts about his high-quality camera and claims that a mysterious friend of his can summon these spheres at will.
He promised to share the raw data files but ended up sending a blurry shot of his camera screen instead. After being challenged, he stopped posting altogether and hasn’t returned.
In general, what do you think accounts for the prevalence of well-crafted fakes and hoaxes in this area? Grusch suggests that there are organized disinformation campaigns targeting UFO forums.
Could there be another valid reason for someone to create such a high-quality fake post? I’m eager to hear your thoughts! What do you think?
It’s an interesting question you’ve raised about the proliferation of high-effort fakes and hoaxes surrounding UFOs and similar topics. There are several factors that might contribute to this phenomenon:
Cultural Fascination: The subject of UFOs and extraterrestrial life has a long history of intrigue and curiosity. Many people are drawn to the possibility of the unknown, which can lead to a desire to create content that captures that fascination, even if it’s not entirely truthful.
Viral Potential: In today’s digital age, posts that evoke strong reactions—whether through shock, fright, or curiosity—tend to go viral. This creates an incentive for individuals to produce exaggerated or entirely fabricated content to gain attention and potentially build a following.
Community Validation: Many individuals who engage in creating these fakes may find validation and support within niche communities. Within UFO forums or social media groups, the engagement from like-minded individuals can reinforce such behavior, creating a feedback loop that encourages more hoaxes.
Psychological Factors: Some creators might feel a sense of power or accomplishment from pulling off a convincing hoax, or they may enjoy the attention and notoriety that comes with it. For some, the thrill of deception can be a driving motivation.
Disinformation Campaigns: As you mentioned, there are claims of organized disinformation campaigns aimed at clouding the truth about UFOs. If such campaigns exist, they might encourage high-effort fabrications to manipulate public perception or divert attention from legitimate discussions.
Skepticism and Mistrust: In an age of misinformation, some people may be skeptical about everything presented as true. As a reaction, you see a strategic rise in hoaxes, as some creators feel emboldened to challenge the boundaries of credibility, knowing that skepticism is a widespread phenomenon.
There could be many other psychological or social motivations behind these high-effort fakes, but these points highlight some of the driving factors. Ultimately, it seems that a mix of cultural, psychological, and community elements come into play in this space, making it a fertile ground for dubious content. What are your thoughts on these points?