Media in the New Millennium

Posted by Lauren Preston

To all of the Balloon Boy Skeptics out there, I owe you an apology.

A few weeks ago, millions of people across the country were glued to their computers, televisions, Twitter feeds, etc. watching and waiting in horror as the drama of “Balloon Boy’s” flight unfolded. We’ve since found out (or sincerely assume) that this was a complete hoax – nothing but a money-hungry family wanting an extended fifteen minutes of fame.  If you can’t tell, I’m still a bit bitter as I was one of many who were actually generally concerned and at times terrified for the well being of this young boy.

Although I don’t want to give any more attention to this ridiculous incident, especially since it’s finally quieted down, it definitely got me thinking about some things.  I, like many others in Colorado, first heard about this on Twitter, by following the fabulous @cbs4denver and @mistymontano. I read aloud some of their initial tweets to my colleague, Melissa, because hearing about a flying saucer with a 6 yr. old boy in it was too funny to actually be true. We both got a good laugh out of it.

As we learned throughout the day what was really going on, or at least suspected, my laughter quickly subsided. But for others it did not. Like wildfire, news of #balloonboy spread on the Internet and as we learned the name of the family involved, hoax theories and suspicions arose and the jokes starting flowing.

First there was the whole Wife Swap saga (two appearances in fact!) Then, there was the irony that the boy’s name was Falcon and that Falcon was taking his first flight. Then came the lovely rap videos that the Henne family made. As snarky comments were being made on Twitter, I couldn’t laugh. I was stunned that in the midst of a possible tragedy, people were already assuming the worst. I immediately judged those who were making jokes and taking cracks at the family and the boy supposedly still in the balloon – and now I apologize for my judgment.

But now that it’s all said and done, it brings up an interesting point. Some of the folks I follow that were in fact right calling it a hoax, whether it was the appropriate time to do so or not. So, how soon is too soon to start voicing the skepticism? Was it okay for people to start questioning the family long before we even knew that Falcon was safe? Where do you draw the line in Tweeting real-time during a potential tragedy?

In an era of social media and citizen journalism, folks had every right to become skeptical and question certain aspects of the story. While I preferred to wait until after we knew the outcome to begin to voice my apprehensions, many did not. At the time I thought it was a little too soon, but now I realize that many of the skeptics were just doing their jobs as good citizen journalists and asking questions that any good reporter would do.

Regardless of which side you were on that day, we’ve all begun to the learn the truth and the suspicions and bad jokes will continue in the wake of this “fake” tragedy – now, rightfully so.

Also, probably the best “photo” I’ve seen of the whole hoax can be found here.

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