Lies, Damn Lies and Internet Lies

(Image credit: X)To paraphrase Mark Twain, I say that there are three types of lies from small to big: “There are lies, damn lies, and internet lies.”Today, an X account @Complex with 2.6 million followers lied by posting here: “Avi Loeb thinks aliens could reveal themselves within the next 16 days.” I never stated that. It is clear that the lie was invented to attract attention because it instantly received over 100k views, ten times more than the other clickbait posts on this account.As I explained in response here:“The claim made in this post is false and does not accurately represent my views or scientific work.The search for signs of extraterrestrial technological civilizations is a serious scientific endeavor. It deserves to be discussed with intellectual honesty, scientific rigor, and respect for the evidence. I have seen and heard from many people who are understandably frustrated when my words are taken out of context, distorted, or used to promote misinformation. I understand their frustration and share their concern.My effort to popularize the scientific search for non-human intelligence and extraterrestrial technology requires that I communicate directly with the public. Going forward, this will also include publicly correcting those who misuse my name, misrepresent my statements, or attribute claims to me that I have never made. Science advances through evidence, not misinformation.I welcome criticism and scientific debate, but they must be based on what I actually say and do. Also, I want to thank the many people who continue to support my work and the scientific search for extraterrestrial technology. Your encouragement, curiosity, and positivity provide me with tremendous motivation to continue this important effort. The universe is vast, and there is much left for us to discover.Let us focus on finding the truth.”***Other misinformation is nasty. A YouTuber has been spreading antisemitic narratives about me. This is particularly hurtful because my f