Misinformation

Advances in technology have made it very easy to create fake visual material, through video and image editing programs or even through artificial intelligence (AI).

So-called deepfakes can create realistic but fake videos that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. The nature of the internet makes it easy for fake news to spread quickly, especially when it is sensational or frightening. Often, fake UFO videos are posted to gain traffic or to reinforce conspiracy theories. These videos are often played without critical thinking or source checking, creating a “disinformation bubble.”

Low Material Quality

One of the most common problems in UFO analyses is the low resolution of photos and videos.

Most incidents are recorded spontaneously, with low-quality portable devices or under poor lighting conditions.

This makes it difficult to clearly identify the object and leaves room for misinterpretation. Also, photo and video files are often not accompanied by metadata (such as date, time, location, camera type, etc.), which is crucial for confirming authenticity. Without this data, any check for possible tampering or connection to other events becomes extremely difficult.

Selective Analysis

Even when there are well-documented incidents, the analysis can be biased or superficial. Some researchers focus only on evidence that confirms the existence of aliens, while others dismiss anything that has no explanation as a hoax or a natural phenomenon. Objective analysis requires cross-checking data and the scientific method.

Many of the objects perceived as UFOs are actually airplanes, drones, balloons, or astronomical phenomena. Lack of knowledge about them easily leads to misinterpretations. Furthermore, human perception often "fills in" the blank of the picture with imagination or fear.