Keep Calm & Carry On: Drone Sightings and the Spread of Misinformation
Reports of mysterious drone sightings above neighborhoods, military installations, and public spaces have captured the public’s attention. The fascination and panic surrounding these sightings has caused a frenzy of fake news online as nonexperts rush to explain the lights they see—even trusted leaders and newspapers have been caught up in the conspiracies, sharing fake news before fact checking the stories.
Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano amplified the hysterics, sharing a photo of a Star Wars replica drone on a truck, mistakenly claiming it was a “crashed drone” retrieved from Orange Beach.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan's also reported "dozens of large drones" hovering above his home near Washington, D.C. Hogan posted a blurry video to substantiate his claim, but it lacked clarity and failed to confirm the objects were drones. As Senior meteorologist, Matthew Cappucci, pointed out, Hogan mistook the constellation Orion for drones. The lights in the sky Hogan was tweeting the federal government needed to do something about were stars.
In the hype, some residents have threatened to shoot down unidentified drones. This response not only violates federal law but could lead to catastrophic outcomes, including accidents or injuries.
Already, a military pilot at one of New Jersey’s largest military bases has suffered an injury after civilians on the ground pointed lasers at the plane. It’s a stark reminder that impulsive actions based on unverified information can have severe consequences.
The rush to label unidentified objects as drones—or worse, threats—has implications beyond the immediate story. If misinformation spreads unchecked, it could create panic, incite dangerous actions, or overshadow legitimate concerns. Before sharing claims or reacting to headlines, ask yourself:
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What is the source of this information?
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Have experts confirmed these claims?
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Could there be an alternative explanation?
Misinformation thrives on emotional responses. By slowing down and applying a critical lens, you can contribute to stopping fake news.
"Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones. We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the northeast."