New paranormal themed show?

Question

I saw a commercial for a new paranormal themed fictional drama on Fox called "Fringe", and wondered what true believers thought of these type of programs, X-files and the like. On one hand it increases awareness of your (cause?...system of beliefs?...I don't know how to classify this). On the other, it undoubtedly has negative aspects as well, inspiring fraud, making some people think natural occurrences have supernatural causes, etc., which would create many more of the false claims which cause many people to doubt everything termed "paranormal". What is your thought?

Addendum: People have every right to answer "paranormal events don't occur" or whatever, in this case you are preaching to the choir, but I am interested in what people who believe think of the effects media has on their (same issue as above, belief system?)

Answer 1

"making some people think natural occurrences have supernatural causes" you say that as if this is the only time at which this will take place, at the same time you might be thinking you are different, you know you saw what you did, well how do you know? just because you don't know what that thing in the sky was, doesn't mean its an alien space ship, just because you heard a noise and can't find its source doesn't mean its a ghost.

Answer 2

The silver lining is that perhaps we'll reach critical saturation and these shows will fade away.  Unfortunately, there are many impressionable people who confuse fiction with reality and will no doubt assume the show is based on things that actually happen.

Answer 3

The X-files is a really neat show. It's kinda boring sometimes so I don't watch it that much. I'm really interested in what this show is about. When does it come on, I'll try and catch it.

I'm a believer to an extent. I've seen so much stuff that I'm willing to believe if evidence is laid out for me to look at. I typically dislike and total non-believers. Your mind should be open to new possibilities. You shouldn't shut out what could be just out of pure stubbornness to follow a designated path set down by your parents and God knows who else. *cough* Randi *cough cough*

Answer 4

My favorite TV shows and movies are horror and Sci-fi.It's interesting how some people confuse real life with TV and movies.Not only paranormal by the way.When someone on a TV show gets married or has a baby.They're sent flowers and congratulations from viewers.TV doctors,cops and lawyers are treated as real by thousands of their fans.

I have a close friend who still swears the X-files is taken directly from genuine FBI files.Look in Mythology and Folklore.Some folks sound like they live in the world of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer".Many people have trouble separating reality from fiction.I'm betting it was the same with cavemen telling tales around the fire.TV works the same way,only with millions of listeners

Answer 5

Maybe it was better when TV shows were less realistic, surely none of us thought that Will Robinson was really Lost In Space or that the Professor could make a radio out of a coconut on Gillian's Isle.

Maybe programs like Ghost Hunters, Psychic Kids, Psychic Investigator etc are blurring the line between fact and fantasy?

Answer 6

I read the summary posted for the show -and if I read correctly then I assume its similar to X-Files??

I am a believer of a lot of things, but I certainly don't look to shows like that to support my belief system or to create claims - false or otherwise.

I think they are an enjoyable way to take a break from the pressures of daily life. The same as reading a good book, or checking out a good movie. We all need and enjoy breaks from our day to day life. How boring would it be if TV was only filled with people budgeting their checkbooks, cooking dinner, or folding laundry?? I say bring on the little green men!

:)