Fabricating Stories During Extraterrestrial Frenzy.
In recent years, the curiosity with extraterrestrial life has captured the collective imagination of mankind, resulting in an increase in alien-related stories and claims. From reported sightings to detailed accounts alleging close contacts, the pull of being a part of a popular current event has led some people to manufacture stories about extraterrestrial aliens. This is a difficult subject to address within the paranormal because, in most cases, paranormal experience is very personal and leaves little empirical or physical evidence to support the claim. Working in Law Enforcement for over 31 years, I have in-depth experience in dealing with fabricators and hoaxers. One of the most egregious examples of this is a local murder case where over 40 people came forward claiming they had murdered four teenage girls and burned their bodies. If people are willing to admit to such a terrible thing, fabricating a UFO, ghost, or cryptid sighting seems very benign. Humans are naturally sociable and crave connections and a sense of belonging. When a society sees a rush of interest in a specific topic, such as an extraterrestrial event, people may be encouraged to create stories to feel a part of the phenomena. The urge to be included in the narrative becomes a powerful motivator, pushing the production of intricate stories that reflect the current cultural mood. The psychological urge for attention and approval may lead people to invent accounts of extraterrestrial encounters. In an information-rich environment, seizing the spotlight, even for a brief period of time, may be a powerful incentive. Fabricated accounts concerning alien interactions provide a unique opportunity for people to stand out, gain attention, and be validated by their peers and the larger community. Creating intricate fantasies about extraterrestrial encounters might also provide a type of escapism from the difficulties and complications of daily life. In times of uncertainty or stress, people may find solace in creating narratives that transport them to worlds beyond the ordinary. Making up stories about foreign happenings can be a coping method, providing an escape from prosaic reality and a sense of control in an otherwise uncertain world. When studying the psychology of invented alien stories, the influence of popular culture and media should not be overlooked. With movies, TV shows, and social media bombarding society with extraterrestrial themes, people may internalize these narratives and draw inspiration for their own stories. The blurred barrier between fiction and fact, compounded by media saturation, can lead to the production of stories that are consistent with popular cultural themes. Psychological imprinting has a significant impact on individual beliefs and behaviors. If a person is repeatedly exposed to alien-related content, whether through personal experiences, media consumption, or social interactions, it might leave a psychological imprint on how they view and interpret events. Individuals may create fabricated stories as a result of internalizing these impressions and expressing them via personal experiences. The emergence of social media has increased the effect of fake stories. The pull of going viral, earning followers, or becoming a trending subject can drive people to post sensationalized stories about extraterrestrial encounters. Social media networks enable these narratives to spread quickly, adding to the overall excitement around the alien encounter. It is up to good paranormal investigators to use skepticism as a tool, not a weapon, to discover what is actually happening. Skepticism used improperly is called cynicism—and that never helps…
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January 2024
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