Unreliable Sources.

Greetings. UFO themed programming is quite popular nowadays, and has been so since the debut of "The X-Files" back in the early 1990's. 

Some of these programs are scripted, while others are presented in more of a documentary style. "The X-Files" was obviously scripted, as were all the various "Star Trek" series. Those shows were well written and produced, making for quality viewing for the public to enjoy. Nowadays, shows like "Ancient Aliens" dominate the situation, and are presented as documentaries, albeit in shorter, episode driven formats. A question comes to mind, a question which is rarely, if ever asked.

Has the general public, and my extension, the UFO subculture built it's belief structures on what they are watching on television?

I am afraid that the answer to that question is a disconcerting yes. Over the years, I have had the honor and pleasure of interacting with many people who have a vested interest in UFOs. On a few occasions, after asking a question like "How do you know about that, how do you know that's true?," I have received responses like "I saw it on Stargate-SG." or "Georgio Tsoukalos said it on Ancient Aliens." When I hear statements like that, I am left completely speechless. 

Regardless of the topic, basing one's belief structures on television shows and their content is illogical, indefensible to say the very least. Should the public base it's beliefs about law enforcement techniques on shows like "Law and Order" or "NYPD Blue?" Obviously not. Should the public make personal medical decisions based on information they saw on "Grey's Anatomy" or "General Hospital?" Obviously not. Yet, some in the UFO subculture base their ideas, beliefs, and opinions on the content contained in television shows and "documentaries." Unwise and admittedly outrageous. 

Scripted shows are just that, scripted. They are not reliable sources of accurate information on anything, much less the UFO problem. "Documentaries" are not reliable either, especially those that are focused on UFOs. However, some people tend to believe whatever comes across the screen, and that is to the detriment of the entire UFO subculture.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.