They often have a sense of authenticity. Since they claim to be based on true stories, the use of found - like footage gives the impression that what you're seeing is real. For example, the unsteady camera work which mimics amateur filming.
Well, 'The Fourth Kind' claims to be based on true events. It uses a combination of real - life footage and re - enactments. The movie is about alien abductions in Nome, Alaska. The found footage aspect makes it seem more believable as it shows the supposed real - life investigations and encounters with the unknown.
The sense of authenticity. Since it claims to be true, it makes the horror more believable and thus scarier. We can't help but think that these things could actually happen.
There's 'Archive 81'. It has elements of found footage horror in its podcast format and is based on some rather spooky, supposedly true stories. The way it unfolds the story through audio recordings gives that feeling of unease similar to found footage in movies.
It's hard to say. There might be elements of truth in it, but it could also be largely fictional. You'd need to look into the background and origin of the story to know for sure.
Definitely not. 'The Fourth Kind' is a work of fiction. The so-called true story footage is just a part of the movie's fictional setup to draw in the audience and create a sense of mystery.