Notable Changes in UFO Subreddits: Is There an Organized Effort Behind It?
I’ve recently observed a concerning shift in the tone of UFO-related subreddits, particularly r/ufos and r/aliens, since the Jake Barber News Nation story emerged. I want to clarify that I do not support Peter Thiel’s views. However, it caught my attention this morning when I saw three consecutive posts on r/UFOs aimed at discrediting Thiel, all posted within the same hour.
Regardless of personal opinions on Thiel, it raises the question of whether these posts are part of a larger scheme to manipulate community sentiment or disrupt genuine conversations.
As someone who has followed these forums for a long time, I’ve seen them embrace a variety of unconventional ideas. However, there has recently been an influx of users who seem to have limited experience with UFO research but are quickly expressing dissatisfaction, making statements like “I’m done” or “I always thought this topic was nonsense.” While progress has undoubtedly been made in the past seven years, many newcomers—whether bots or real users—appear to believe the field has stagnated or is a complete sham. Historically, this topic has been complex, but I’ve never witnessed such intense discrediting and disdain. The only significant change is the increased visibility of the subject, which might discourage casual, open-minded readers from exploring UFO discussions further.
The real concern isn’t if there are bot-generated posts and orchestrated comments, but rather how many there are. A portion of this frustration likely stems from newcomers disillusioned by the ongoing UFO “hype cycles.” I would estimate that around 60% of these frustrated posts originate from individuals new to the field. However, the remaining 40% raises serious concerns about the detrimental impacts on the topic. When such voices dismiss the entire UFO community, they risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
This leads to an urgent matter: the targeted attacks on individuals like Jake Barber and Jesse Michels, both of whom have significantly contributed to UFO discussions. Notably, Jesse Michels has gone from being a community favorite to being labeled a “shill” almost overnight, despite his extensive knowledge and commitment. He even hosted a debate between Mick West and Marik von Rennenkampff, showcasing his dedication to fostering constructive dialogue. You can watch that debate here.
It’s also worth noting that whistleblower Michael Herrera—whose credibility was backed by Jake Barber—addressed the growing “anti-UFO” sentiment during a Q&A livestream on the YouTube channel Cosmic Road. (And yes, this is the genuine Herrera, who has frequently engaged with that channel.)
In my view, hostility towards UFO topics surged after the Jake Barber story, prompting us to ask why.
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Reddit is not apolitical. It reflects a range of ideological perspectives, and opposing views
Your analysis raises some valid points about the shift in tone and activity on UFO-related subreddits following the Jake Barber story. The sudden emergence of hostility towards established contributors and the field itself does feel rather orchestrated, especially when considering how historically open these communities have been to fringe ideas.
Political Underpinnings: I agree that Reddit, like many platforms, is not immune to political influences. The fact that certain ideologies can shape discussions means that narratives can be crafted to guide public sentiment, often undermining valuable conversations.
Presence of Bots and Coordinated Efforts: Your mention of bots and coordinated posts is particularly concerning. The manipulation of discourse has real-world implications, especially in niche communities that thrive on genuine engagement and exploration. It’s not just a conspiracy theory; it’s a documented phenomenon that needs more scrutiny.
Frustration with the UFO Community: The cyclical nature of hype in the UFO community can lead to burnout for newcomers who may mistakenly assume that every cycle is identical. Building awareness about the complexities and progress within the field could help mitigate some of this disillusionment.
Moreover, the targeted attacks on individuals like Jake Barber and Jesse Michels highlight the need for a more supportive and protective community culture. The dismissive comments about well-respected figures can drastically shift the community’s dynamic and discourage the open exchange of ideas.
In conclusion, your call for a historical perspective is crucial. Awareness of how narratives can be manipulated and understanding the context of UFO discussions is essential for fostering a healthy dialogue. It’s a reminder for all of us to remain vigilant and critical of sensational trends, ensuring that we don’t allow the discourse around a topic with so much potential to get lost in the noise.