Post by uforn on Aug 18, 2010 19:56:37 GMT 1
How To Identify A UFO Hoax
Are you fascinated by UFOs, but at the same time skeptical about their validity? If so, then you are not alone. Due to all the new technology, it is easy to fake photographs and videos of UFO sightings. That is why it is important to learn how to spot a fake. This guide will provide the necessary information to help you identify a UFO hoax.
Introduction
Do you find yourself wondering whether life exists on other planets? Are you fascinated by the possibility of unidentified flying objects? Have you ever questioned the validity of some of the so-called UFO sightings and crop circles? If so, you might be interested in learning how to identify a UFO hoax. This guide will provide you with information on how to spot such hoaxes.
Step 1: What is a Hoax?
A hoax is a humorous or malicious prank or deception that has long been prevalent in regards to UFOs and other extraterrestrial related sightings and events. UFO hoaxes are often designed to:
1: Challenge the credibility of other UFO sightings
2: Discredit targeted individuals
3: Scare people
4: Make people laugh
Step 2: Is the Source Reputable?
Determining whether or not the source of the UFO sighting is reputable is an important part of distinguishing whether or not a UFO sighting is a hoax. Credible sources include:
1: Esteemed people in their respective fields
2: Someone you know and trust personally
3: Someone your friend may know or trust personally
Step 3: Types of Hoaxes
There are many types of UFO hoaxes, including but not limited to:
1: Stories
2: Photographs
3: Video footage
4: Internet hoaxes
5: Government or conspiracy related hoaxes
Due to all the advancements in technology, it is easier to stage a UFO hoax today than it was ten years ago. People can more easily manipulate photos through digital photography and computer programs. Therefore, it is imperative to scrutinize any type of evidence you receive in order to determine its validity. The best photographs are those that were taken with a manual camera.
Step 4: Tips for identifying Hoaxes
A hoax is a deliberate deception that may be intended to make people laugh, but will often have more harmful results. In order to accurately disprove a hoax, it is important that you learn to recognize one.
Some tips for identifying hoaxes include:
1: Look for the types of props and artifacts typically used in hoax related deceptions such as balloons and strings to elevate or hold objects down
2: Always question and find out as much as possible about the circumstances surrounding the sighting. How many people actually witnessed it?
3: Were there any other related occurrences?
4: Try to find out as much about the person and there backgrounds as possible to determine whether they are genuine or not.
5: The information presented is one-sided or the claims can only be validated by one or two people - this includes Alien & UFO sightings. It also pertains to e-mails sent that only present one side of the story.
6: There are usually no references to back up claims - this is often used in internet and e-mail related hoaxes. The person or company referenced is often made up, so there is no valid contact information provided.
7: Appeals to the emotions
8: Always questions the validity of crop circles
Step 5: Look for Commonalities
Next you should find hoaxes that have already been disproved and compare them to the hoax you are trying to discredit. Some suggestions for getting started include:
1: Finding doctored photographs or videos of a hoax similar to the one you have targeted.
2: Searching for previous e-mail hoaxes that may mention the same people or company names as a hoax you are investigating
Step 6: Research
An important part of disproving a hoax involves research. By gathering accurate information you will be able to make a better case for your claims. You should:
1: Gather background information on the subject of the apparent hoax. If the hoax involves Aliens & or Ufos's for example, gathering information refuting the scientific existence is a great place to start.
2: Gather historic information. This type of research is excellent regarding scientific or government related hoaxes.
3: Is the information presented in the suspect hoax valid?
For example, does the person or company exist that is the subject of a particular e-mail related hoax? Often technical jargon is used that sounds very convincing, but is often just a means of distracting you from the falsified statements or concocted subjects discussed in the e-mail.
Make sure you do a thorough background check on the hoax you are investigating. Finding inconsistencies in the information presented is often the best way to refute a hoax.
Step 7: What Makes a Hoax Successful?
Most successful hoaxes have similarities, so it is important to know what these are so you can spot the hoaxes that are often missed by others. Successful hoaxes usually:
1: Arrive in the form of a credible source
2: Utilize impressive, technical language or industry jargon
3: Involve a sympathetic person whose life and death hang in the balance - these usually arrive in the form of an e-mail hoax
4: High quality equipment makes otherwise outrageous images appear more realistic
Conclusion
As hoaxes become more elaborate and much easier to stage, it is important to arm yourself with the means of discrediting them. Remember to do your research and always be aware of the subjects most likely to be presented in the form of a hoax.
UFO or alien sightings - these are usually presented in the form of a photograph and can easily be faked using programs such as Photoshop. Or in the case of video footage CGI.
In today's internet environment new hoaxes appear daily, especially in people's e-mail inbox. Knowing how to spot these hoaxes and others like them is important as we continue to use and rely on the internet in our everyday lives.
Technological advances have made it easier than ever to concoct UFO sightings, so always pay close attention whenever someone claims to have spotted a UFO. Investigate the claims thoroughly and if possible make certain the source is reputable.