Cryptozoology studies creatures that science can’t explain. They call them cryptids. This includes Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. Many seek proof. Mysterious cryptid sightings have a long history. Let’s look at this topic in different ways. Perhaps it will change how you feel about cryptozoology in popular culture.
The goal is to help you answer a question about your own beliefs. What do you think? Is cryptozoology science or pseudoscience? To find the answer, we must examine the history, processes used, and the evidence.
The controversy around cryptozoology ebbs and flows. There are two extreme camps. One side says it is a valid form of scientific study. On the other side, some say it is just myth, superstition, and conspiracy theories.
Is Cryptozoology Science or Pseudoscience?
To determine if cryptozoology is a science or pseudoscience, we need to know what science is.
Science starts with questions. It makes guesses, called hypotheses. Then, it tests these guesses and gathers compelling evidence. Scientists don’t believe in something because they want it to be true. They look for proof—things like bones, DNA, fossils, or live animals. They share their results with other scientists. These scientists check the work to ensure it’s fair and correct. Researchers call this process peer review. [1]
Defining the Subject
Where does the term cryptozoology come from? Crypto is a Latin word for hidden or secret. Zoology is the study of animals. The goal is to learn how and why animals behave and their unique relationship to the environment.
Scientific inquiry begins with the goal of solving some mysteries, just like pseudoscience. However, science uses evidence to provide answers, whereas pseudoscience presents unproven propositions.
The results of pseudoscience are not factual. Pseudoscience presents hypotheses often based on eyewitness accounts. It often uses faulty premises, flawed experimental design, or insufficient data.
Cryptozoology is the search for the existence of mythological creatures. It starts with the same intent as science; it simply lacks evidence to support its claims. Is cryptozoology science or pseudoscience? Some say cryptozoology is just as valuable as other disciplines based on theory. For example, psychology is based on theories that are not 100% verifiable.
The Scientific Controversy Around Cryptozoology
Critics argue that the field lacks scientific rigor, and many view cryptozoologists as amateurs. The detractors say cryptozoologists rely on anecdotal evidence and hearsay, not scientific facts. [2]
People criticize the search for mythical creatures for several reasons. It takes time and resources away from crucial scientific research. Those involved are more concerned with sensationalizing their findings and becoming celebrities. In other words, they aren’t doing unbiased research. Thus, the detractors of cryptozoology argue that it undermines the credibility of science.
On the other hand, proponents of cryptozoology argue that it is an important field of study. It expands our understanding of the natural world. What’s more, it often leads to the discovery of new species. Cryptozoology combines the scientific method without discounting unproven possibilities. At the same time, some call this effort worthless pseudoscience.
Proponents say that searching for creatures not yet acknowledged by science is worthwhile. They align cryptozoology with the scientific concept of falsifiability. Then, the hypothesis can be tested, verified, or disproven.
The Science of Cryptozoology
Many cryptozoologists use a common variation of the scientific process. They start by asking questions about unverified creatures. Then, they conduct field research to find evidence. However, the field also attracts people who use questionable data to make bold claims. Is cryptozoology a science or pseudoscience due to some questionable researchers?
Moreover, Cryptozoology uses scientific measures. For example, specimen collection and DNA analysis are part of cryptozoology. DNA analysis is a key research tool. It helps us understand genetics and evolution across different species.
So, is cryptozoology pseudoscience just folklore, or is it a valid endeavor? The answer is not straightforward. While some mysterious cryptid sightings are hoaxes or misidentifications, some warrant further investigation. Such research could lead to discoveries.
Conclusive scientific evidence remains elusive for many of these creatures. But we have been successful in some cases. We have found proof for some creatures thought to be fictional. The Giant Squid, the Tasmanian Tiger, and the Okapi are among those creatures we know are not just fiction. So, the possibility of finding proof is what keeps people searching.
So, is cryptozoology science or pseudoscience? Whether it is folklore or real is ultimately a matter of perspective. Searching for elusive creatures may not always yield results. Does failure to find proof discredit the search for them?
Where Cryptozoology and Science Differ
The field of cryptozoology in popular culture reminds us of unsolved mysteries. It reminds us that science has not answered all the questions about reality. It motivates us to keep exploring. We may find proof for some of these creatures with more technological advancements. In the meantime, the world of cryptozoology will continue to be controversial.
Cryptozoologists often start by believing a creature may exist. Then they search for clues to prove it. They might gather stories from people who saw something strange. They may also find footprints or blurry photos. While these clues can be interesting, they are not enough to convince scientists.
That’s because these stories and photos can’t always be tested. If one person says they saw Bigfoot, there’s no way to prove that memory is correct. People can make mistakes or even make things up. A strange footprint might come from a bear or a hoax. A blurry photo might show a log, a shadow, or something completely normal.
Most scientists consider cryptozoology a pseudoscience. This is because it doesn’t always follow real science steps. It often lacks testable and repeatable results. So, it may seem like science, but it doesn’t follow the same careful rules and checks.
That said, some cryptozoologists are trying to change that. They use tools like DNA tests, drones, and motion-sensing cameras. These help gather clear evidence. These efforts help make the field more scientific. However, they still haven’t shown that cryptids exist.
There is a line between science and pseudoscience. Pseudoscience starts with the assumption that these creatures exist. Then, it sets out to find the proof. Science considers the possibility of rare species and how to find them. The difference is not believing something until you have evidence. Because we know belief taints our ability to collect data. It is the same line that separates zoology from cryptozoology in popular culture.
So, is cryptozoology pseudoscience valuable even though it begins with a skewed assumption? Proponents say you are more likely to find something if you are searching for it. Perhaps a look back at the historical beginnings of this field will help us understand it better.
Cryptozoology Historical Perspectives
The idea behind cryptozoology is not new. Long before people had microscopes, maps, or cameras, they told stories about strange creatures. These were not just bedtime tales—they were attempts to explain the unknown. In ancient China, people believed in dragons. In Europe, sailors warned of giant sea serpents. In Africa, stories were passed down about mysterious animals hiding in the jungle.
Many of these stories are based on real-life events. However, they often lack the scientific background or proof to back up their claims. Sailors once thought manatees were mermaids when they saw them swimming in the ocean. Without tools to study animals properly, people often confuse real creatures with myths.
Cryptozoology historical perspectives made a shift during the Age of Exploration, about 500 years ago. Explorers traveled to faraway lands and saw animals they had never imagined. They wrote reports or drew strange pictures of what they saw, but they didn’t always get it right. These sightings led to more legends and stories about mysterious beasts.
Cryptozoology in Popular Culture
In the 1800s and early 1900s, some of these creatures were proven to be real. Scientists found the okapi, an animal from Africa that looks like a giraffe. They also discovered the coelacanth, a deep-sea fish believed to have been extinct for millions of years. These findings gave people hope that other unknown creatures might also be real. With these discoveries, conspiracy theories and cryptozoology gained some credibility.
In 1955, a Belgian scientist named Bernard Heuvelmans gave this field a name: cryptozoology. It means “the study of hidden animals.” He thought some cryptid stories could come from real animals we haven’t discovered yet. Since then, people have hunted forests, lakes, and mountains for signs of creatures like Bigfoot and Nessie.
Since 2015, we have seen an increase in reports of mysterious phenomena. This increase corresponds to the rise in cultural stress. Two factors caused this distress: COVID-19 and the political-social conflict. The political turmoil in the US affects not only the US but also the world.
Cryptoids Become New Species
As natural habits shrink, we are discovering new species. In the last few years, several fascinating creatures have been verified. Yet, they do not get the attention they deserve. These include the Hero Shrew, Mandolfi’s Four-Eyed Opossum, and the Annamite Striped Rabbit. It also includes the Khasian Leaf-Nosed Bat. The number of new species in the insect world has increased significantly. We have many new butterflies, beetles, and other creepy crawlies.
There are even new primates, such as the Arunachal Macaque and Caqueta Titi Monkeys. They were only discovered because their habitats were designated as endangered ecosystems. [3]
Mysterious cryptid sightings and conspiracy theories do not get the attention they used to. Many people think the lack of awareness is due to the lack of significant cultural myths. There has not been enough time for the culture to create myths like the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. These creatures may have been seen before, but were misidentified as known species.
As a result, we have increased pseudoscientific medical advice. There has also been a marked increase in UFO reports. It is why mysterious cryptoid sightings like Bigfoot and Yeti [4] are also rising.
Sensational stories spread quickly today. Talk shows spread gossip to boost ratings. Outrageous claims also help them reach more viewers. This feeds the advertising industry, since these shows can charge more for advertising. So, propaganda, misinformation, and gossip make them a lot of money. The selling of cryptozoology in popular culture is easy to spot. There are always new seasons of the same cryptozoology stories on the internet, rehashing the same data.
Conspiracy Theories and Cryptozoology
Whenever conspiracy theories take center stage, we also see strange creatures. Something interesting happens in times of high social stress and paranoia. The increase in stress corresponds to a rise in reports of unusual phenomena. At the same time, reports of UFOs, mysterious creatures, and conspiracies also increased. It may seem like a strange coincidence, but there may be more to it than meets the eye.
We know long-term stress causes perceptual distortions. We also know that propaganda can affect people’s thoughts. Put these together, and we have the perfect storm. The increase in cryptozoology creatures comes from these two distinct elements.
Right now, cryptozoology does not have much credibility in the scientific world. Scientists want proof that is clear, testable, and repeatable. Most cryptozoologists have not provided this kind of evidence. Without bones, bodies, or DNA, science can’t accept a creature as real.
For example, thousands of people say they have seen Bigfoot. There are hundreds of photos and videos. But none of them have been strong enough to convince scientists. Some turned out to be hoaxes. Others are unclear. After many years, no one has found a Bigfoot body, collected Bigfoot DNA, or captured one alive. That’s why scientists remain doubtful.
Another reason cryptozoology isn’t seen as credible is that it often overlooks more straightforward explanations. A strange animal sighting might actually be a bear walking on two legs, or a large fish splashing in the water. Scientists call this “Occam’s Razor,” which means the simplest answer is usually the right one.
However, cryptozoology still plays a role in sparking curiosity. It reminds people that the world is big and full of surprises. And history shows that a few animals once believed to be fake, like the giant squid, turned out to be real. Cryptozoologists would gain respect from mainstream science if they did two things. First, use more verifiable research methods and gather more reliable evidence. Second, base their conclusions on solid findings rather than unsupportable assumptions.
Conspiracy Theories Are Not Harmless
The modern-day conspiracy theory is a tactic used to cause doubt and confusion. It often contains other fallacies. One of the most famous is the theory spun by the Trump campaign in 2015. The conspiracy made allegations of sex crimes against Hillary Clinton. [5]
This assertion was that Hillary was the head of a child porn ring. And this operation was running out of a basement under a pizzeria in Washington. [6] It is an allegation that came from an edited email sent to WikiLeaks. Right-wing media outlets like Fox News touted the obvious forgery of the email as evidence. The original email came from Clinton’s campaign chairman, John Podesta.
Mr. Podesta routinely receives and sends emails to supporters. One of these emails came from James Alefantis. He is the owner of Comet Ping-pong Pizzeria in Washington. The facts don’t support the allegation. Even the pizzeria is on a cement slab without a basement.
From the above thread, supporters of Donald Trump spun the story. They then spread it through Cambridge Analytica [7]. They had breached Facebook’s 87 million fan base. Using a variety of fake sources, they magnified the story, which would increase doubt about Hillary Clinton.
Cambridge Analytica developed a reputation for swaying elections in third-world countries. They proved they could do the same with larger populations. Using propaganda to sway an election is a Federal Crime.
What is strange about this story is that 4 out of 5 Trump supporters still believe this story. And, 2 out of 10 Republicans not affiliated with Trump believe “the story could be true.”
Pseudoscience and conspiracies are harmful to the stability of any culture. The gullible are easily influenced and spread doubt within their circles of influence. They claim it is harmless and comforting to believe they are in the group that holds this truth.
It is no defense of superstition and pseudoscience to say that it brings solace and comfort to people. If solace and comfort are how we judge the worth of something, then consider that tobacco brings solace and comfort to smokers. Alcohol brings it to drinkers; drugs of all kinds bring it to addicts. The fall of cards and the run of horses bring it to gamblers; cruelty and violence bring it to sociopaths. Judge by solace and comfort only, and there is no behavior we ought to interfere with. — Isaac Asimov
We know why mysterious creature sightings increase and why pseudoscience and conspiracies increase. These are symptoms of a culture that has lost control of rational thought and common sense.
What Increased The Controversy Around Cryptozoology?
Why do we allow harmful propaganda to be posed as news? It was made possible when President Reagan rolled back the Fairness Doctrine. This law required broadcasters to provide contrasting views of political messages. Congress backed this policy from 1954 to the 1970s, but the composition of Congress changed.
The FCC called the Fairness Doctrine the single most critical requirement in broadcasting. The FCC saw how Germany used media in the 1930s and 1940s. Here, media companies promoted right-wing political views. It allowed licensed broadcasters to use propaganda, misinformation, and gossip. They could call political propaganda news and get away with it.
The lack of legislation paved the way for pseudoscience and conspiracies to thrive. Right-wing conservatives followed the recipe of the Nazi Party. They rallied around patriotism and cherry-picked the Bible to substantiate racism and homophobia. Then, it was packaged in a slogan from the 1940s: “Make America great again.” They did not hide their plan. They copied it word-for-word from Nazi propaganda because it works.
What Mysterious Cryptid Sightings and Conspiracy Theories Share
There is a corresponding rise between extremist beliefs and sightings of mysterious phenomena. Extremist religious and political ideologies create stress in the culture. Increasing stress and tension cause conspiracy theories and cryptozoology sightings to rise, too. It is not a coincidence. Conspiracy Theories and the sightings of mysterious creatures share common traits:
1. Satisfy Curiosity and the Need for Answers
Cryptid sightings and conspiracy theories spark our curiosity about the unknown. They also give us comforting answers. Science, pseudoscience, and cryptozoology represent different attempts to make sense of mystery.
During uncertain and stressful times, people are more open to propaganda, rumors, and speculation. These beliefs help organize chaos into something that feels understandable.
At the extremes, it is difficult to distinguish pseudoscience from rigid, doctrinaire religion. — Carl Sagan
2. Sparked by Social Media
Social media fuels conspiracy theories and cryptozoology in popular culture. The internet enables rapid sharing of information, whether verified or not. A blurry photo, a strange sound, or a half-baked theory can go viral within hours.
Social platforms have sparked a surge of amateur detectives. They are eager to share their “findings,” but often forget to verify them. These contributors build followings and gain influence, making it harder to tell fact from fiction.
3. Answer the Call of Adventure
These phenomena appeal to our innate love of mystery and adventure. The idea of discovering a hidden creature or exposing a secret cabal taps into our desire for excitement. These stories feel like quests, and believers often see themselves as brave truth-seekers.
4. Offer Shared Community Interests
Conspiracy theories and cryptid belief systems often foster strong subcultures. These communities give a sense of connection and belonging to those left out of mainstream society. Even harmful ideologies can take root in these spaces under the guise of “truth-seeking.”
5. Distrust of Authority and Institutions
A growing distrust of authority fuels both. Government officials, scientists, and media outlets are often painted as corrupt or deceptive. Followers see themselves as “woke” or enlightened, resisting manipulation by powerful forces.
6. Pattern-Seeking Behavior
Humans naturally seek patterns—even when none exist. Our brains are wired to find order in randomness. A distant noise in the woods becomes a creature. A string of coincidences becomes a global plot. It’s how we impose meaning on chaos.
7. Media Sensationalism and Entertainment Value
Media companies and influencers profit from sensationalism. Conspiracy theories and cryptid stories make for compelling content. Whether on TV, YouTube, or TikTok, the most outlandish stories often get the most attention, regardless of truth.
8. Myth-Making and Folklore Revival
These beliefs mirror traditional mythologies. Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or the Mothman are modern expressions of ancient legends. Likewise, conspiracy theories echo old fears of hidden powers and secret knowledge. They fill a cultural role once occupied by folklore.
9. Role of Anonymity and Lack of Accountability
The internet allows people to post bold claims or unverified stories anonymously. Without accountability, there’s little incentive to fact-check or admit error. This freedom accelerates the spread of misinformation and encourages increasingly extreme ideas.
So, the rise of conspiracy theories and cryptozoology creature sightings is not coincidental. Instead, they are both products of a society in conflict. It is a response to anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
By understanding the commonalities between these phenomena, we gain insight. It helps us understand how people seek meaning in an unpredictable world. So, next time you see a story about a Bigfoot sighting or a bizarre government conspiracy theory, stop and think. There may be more to it than meets the eye.
Conclusion: A Field Full of Curiosity, But Still Searching for Proof
Cryptozoology historical perspectives offer fascinating insights into how societies have handled mysterious creatures. Many of the stories about these sightings were passed down, and some even led to concrete discoveries. But as science grew stronger, it began to ask more complex questions and demand better proof.
Today, people still ask: Is cryptozoology science or pseudoscience? Most scientists say it is a pseudoscience because it does not follow the same strict rules as real science. It relies too much on stories and not enough on reliable evidence.
That’s why the scientific credibility of cryptozoology remains low. Without bones, DNA, or other solid proof, scientists can’t accept cryptids as real animals. Even with better tools, cryptozoology still has a long way to go before it becomes a fully trusted science.
The mystery and thrill of cryptozoology still inspire many. People want to explore and ask questions. In that way, it shares something important with real science—the desire to learn more about the unknown. So, what do you think? Is cryptozoology science or pseudoscience?
References
- Scientific method, Wikipedia
- Cryptozoology: The Pseudo-Science Of Mythical Creatures. Sciencing.com
- The truth is out there: National Library of Medicine
- Conspiracy Theories and Their Societal Effects During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Journals, Sage Publications
- Pseudoscience and conspiracy theory are not victimless crimes against science: theconversation.com
- The saga of Pizzagate. The fake story that shows how conspiracy theories spread: BBC. CO.UK
- Cambridge Analytica: Wikipedia m