LONDON: Humans will actually be very happy to meet
aliens, according to new research.
Hollywood might have led us to expect that an alien invasion would be greeted with tanks and guns. But some of the first serious research into how people would feel about meeting extraterrestrials shows that we would be far more positive than you might think.
"If we came face to face with life outside of Earth, we would be pretty upbeat about it," said
Arizona State University assistant professor of psychology Michael Varnum.
To explore how people might react, scientists had them read news reports about a number of potential alien discoveries. They then found out how they were feeling by using a special software programme that could analyse people's language.
Their reactions were very positive, the researchers found.
Another study divided into people two groups, and had them read stories about the potential discovery of alien life or the possible creation of synthetic human life in a lab. It found they were very excited to read about the alien life.
Varnum said taken together the studies seemed to suggest "if we find out we're not alone, we'll take the news rather well".
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