The paranormal community, rooted in the exploration of the unknown, has always been subject to scrutiny. Healthy skepticism is a vital part of any investigative process, but the rise of YouTube debunkers has introduced a new layer of controversy. A subset of these creators has shifted the focus from genuine analysis to drama-fuelled content designed for entertainment and views. This dynamic not only polarises the community but also undermines the very spirit of paranormal inquiry.
The “If You Don’t Like Debunkers, You’re Fake” Argument
One of the most frustrating claims perpetuated by some people is the idea that disliking debunkers equates to being fake. This oversimplified narrative dismisses the complexities of the paranormal field and the legitimate grievances investigators have with certain debunking tactics.
The truth is that people are free to choose who they resonate with and who they don’t, without that choice defining their authenticity. Just because someone doesn’t support a particular debunker doesn’t mean they’re automatically endorsing fakery. Respect for individual preferences is vital in a diverse community.
Paranormal investigators who rely on tools, apps, or intuitive methods often find themselves labeled as frauds if they express frustration with debunkers. The reality is that skepticism and belief should coexist, fostering dialogue rather than alienation. However, the “us versus them” mentality that some debunkers propagate discourages collaboration and forces individuals to pick sides, often at the expense of nuanced discussion.
From Inquiry to Drama
The role of a debunker should ideally be rooted in critical thinking and objective analysis, offering constructive feedback to enhance the credibility of the field. Unfortunately, for some YouTube debunkers, the allure of drama and entertainment has taken precedence.
Common tactics used by these debunkers include:
Mockery Over Analysis: Instead of providing evidence-based critiques, they ridicule investigators, their tools, or their methods, often relying on humour or exaggerated scenarios to entertain their audience.
Double Standards: Evidence from friends or favoured creators is presented as valid, while similar evidence from others is torn apart without a consistent standard.
Clickbait Titles and Thumbnails: Dramatic headlines and sensationalised visuals draw viewers in, even if the content lacks substance or genuine debunking efforts.
Creating Villains: Paranormal investigators are often cast as “the enemy” in a manufactured narrative that thrives on conflict and controversy.
These behaviours shift the focus from the pursuit of truth to generating views, likes, and shares.
The Cost of Drama in the Paranormal Community
This focus on drama over inquiry has far-reaching consequences for the paranormal community:
1. Erosion of Para-Unity: The “us versus them” rhetoric creates divisions, making it harder for investigators, skeptics, and enthusiasts to work together toward a shared goal of understanding the unknown.
2. Discouraging New Investigators: Aspiring paranormal investigators may be deterred by the fear of public ridicule or being labeled as fake.
3. Shifting Public Perception: The drama detracts from the credibility of the paranormal field, reinforcing the stereotype that it’s all just entertainment rather than a legitimate area of inquiry.
4. Loss of Focus: Instead of advancing the field through meaningful research and exploration, energy is wasted on petty arguments and character attacks.
Entertainment Over Debunking
It’s important to acknowledge that YouTube is an entertainment platform, and creators often cater to what garners the most attention. For many debunkers, this means creating content designed to provoke reactions and spark debates, even if it means sacrificing objectivity.
However, the paranormal community deserves better. Genuine skepticism should involve:
Consistent Standards: Evidence should be judged equally, regardless of the source.
Constructive Critique: Pointing out flaws or limitations should be done respectfully, without resorting to mockery.
Fostering Dialogue: Debunkers and investigators should work together to separate fact from fiction, rather than perpetuating division.
It Was Their Choice
Debunkers choose to take on the role, actively seeking to question or disprove claims of the paranormal. This decision is entirely their own, nobody appoints them, and they are not arbiters of truth by default or the voice of the paranormal community. By stepping into this role, they take on the responsibility of proving their assertions that a claim is false. It’s a self-appointed mission, and therefore, the burden of proof falls on them to substantiate their debunking efforts, not on the individuals presenting paranormal evidence to meet their demands or expectations.
This dynamic often leads to an imbalance in the conversation about the paranormal. Debunkers sometimes position themselves as if they are owed explanations, expecting those who claim to have experienced something extraordinary to answer their challenges. However, individuals sharing their encounters or evidence are under no obligation to satisfy the scrutiny of a debunker. They are simply presenting their experiences or findings as they perceive them. Whether or not these accounts meet a debunker’s criteria for validity does not negate the personal significance or authenticity of the experience for the individual involved.
Ultimately, the choice to investigate, analyse, or challenge paranormal claims is entirely voluntary on the part of debunkers. By choosing this path, they are undertaking the task of disproving claims, not demanding proof from others to validate their skepticism. Paranormal experiences often exist in subjective and ambiguous spaces, making them inherently difficult to categorise as true or false through conventional means. The onus lies on debunkers to demonstrate and prove why they think an experience is fabricated if they wish to discredit it, rather than shifting that responsibility onto the person who shared it.
Moving Forward
The paranormal community is diverse, encompassing skeptics, believers, and everything in between. For it to thrive, there must be room for constructive skepticism and open-minded inquiry. Debunkers who prioritise entertainment value over genuine critique do a disservice to the community and to themselves.
Ultimately, the goal should be to advance our understanding of the unknown, not to tear others down for the sake of drama and views. By shifting the focus back to respectful dialogue and meaningful exploration, the paranormal community can rise above the noise and continue its quest to uncover the mysteries of our world and beyond.
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