Cathal O’Connell writes in Cosmos about a proposal to update those protocols. University of
St. Andrews researchers Duncan Fargan and Alexander Scholz suggest a speedier
process for public dissemination of news of an alien signal discovery. This is
a big difference from the current protocol, which calls for researchers working
together behind the scenes, to confirm that the signal is indeed of intelligent
origin before taking it public. The reason for the suggested change is simple:
it is likely someone in that chain of researchers would put it up on Twitter or
Facebook before it could be confirmed. The authors point out in their Acta
Astronautica article that the social media revelations could contain incorrect
information or be misinterpreted. It would be better to have an open release to
the public of preliminary information. Research to confirm the discovery can
follow.
Communication has changed significantly. It is critical for
researchers to consider those changes when it comes to announcing a possible
extraterrestrial signal or contact. I think this article points to a larger
issue. Transparency would be essential in any first contact scenario. It’s
important that correct information be available to the public as soon as
possible, so that speculation and rumors can’t overtake the facts.
The article brings up another interesting aspect of our age:
the dangers associated with revelation of extraterrestrials contact. O’Connell
writes that Fargan and Scholz suggest hazards for those making such an
announcement. The researchers could be subject to Internet based intrusions and
attacks.
Keeping up with the Internet and social media won’t be easy.
Speculation and rumors would likely fly no matter how much researchers work to
put out correct information. It’s critical to take into account the possible
reaction to news of First Contact now. When it happens there will barely be
time to think before the news has reached the entire world.
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