concept

UFO discourse

Also known as: ufology discourse, UFO-related discourse

Facts (6)

Sources

Exploring expert figures in alien-related UFO conspiracy theories nature.com Nature Apr 15, 2025 5 facts

claimUFO discourse categorizes UFO witnesses and journalists as 'experts' alongside members of the scientific community, treating their testimonies with a level of credibility similar to scientific evidence, according to Dean (1998) and Peebles (1991).

procedureThe research design for the study on UFO discourse consisted of three elements: (I) Google Trends analysis, (II) Data scraping & Thick Big Data Method, and (III) Content analysis.

claimThe 'just asking questions' strategy is a rhetorical tactic used in UFO discourse to erode trust in established scientific principles without explicitly stating conspiracy theories, as noted by Uscinski and Parent (2014).

claimUFO discourse often exaggerates or misrepresents scientific statements, turning general observations into unfounded confirmations of the existence of UFOs, according to Barkun (2013) and West and Sanders (2003).

claimIn an analysis of UFO-related discourse on the X platform, researchers observed that the rhetorical category of ethos was primarily used to cite expert opinions or testimonies regarding UFO cases, while logos was used in posts citing data, simple explanations, and evidence of alien existence.

Aliens in America - The New York Times nytimes.com Jodi Dean · Cornell University Press 1 fact

claimUFO discourse is shaped by questions of trust and credibility as much as it is by empirical evidence.