Constructing Credible Expertise in UFO Narratives and Its Implications for Science Communication

To the point

Rumors about UFOs and aliens now recruit supposed scientists to appear credible, use misused jargon and cherry-picked truths, and rely on emotional appeal and AI-generated media to spread; Lipińska, Kotula, Jemielniak, and Wojcik show how this creates perceived expertise and confirmation bias, and call for cross-platform research and countermeasures like transparent expertise, dialogue, science communication training, digital literacy, and critical thinking to strengthen public understanding of science across disciplines and adapt policy to AI-driven content.