Investigations and Revelations
- In the 1970s, the cousins publicly admitted to fabricating the photographs using cardboard cutouts.
- They clarified that only some of the photos were faked, while they still believed in the fairies’ existence.
Reaction to the Confession
- The admission was met with mixed reactions—disappointment for some, relief for skeptics.
- It sparked renewed interest in the story as a case study in deception and belief.
Why Were People Fooled?
Psychological Factors
- Desire to believe: The need for hope after war made people more credulous.
- Authority bias: Doyle’s endorsement influenced public trust.
- Lack of photographic literacy: People were unfamiliar with how photos could be staged.
Sociocultural Dynamics
- Spiritualism’s popularity created fertile ground.
- The rise of mass media spread the story rapidly.
- The cultural fascination with folklore and fantasy. shutdown123