A Photo of “Michael Jackson on a Plane” Has Gone Viral—But Is There Any Truth Behind It?

Each time, investigators, journalists, or online fact-checkers eventually determine that the individual is either a look-alike, a tribute performer, or simply someone who bears a passing resemblance.

Despite repeated debunking, similar stories continue resurfacing because they attract enormous public attention.

Psychologists describe this as confirmation bias.

People who already hope a beloved celebrity might still be alive may be more likely to accept weak evidence supporting that belief while overlooking stronger evidence to the contrary.

The emotional connection fans feel toward influential public figures can make such stories especially compelling.

This does not mean people intend to spread false information.

In many cases, they simply share posts because they find them interesting or hopeful.

However, sharing unverified claims can unintentionally contribute to the spread of misinformation.

The best approach is to ask a few important questions whenever encountering sensational headlines: