Study Explores How Humanity Will React To The Discovery Of Alien Life

By Lauren Gilger, Kaely Monahan
Published: Friday, September 6, 2019 - 12:47pm
Updated: Tuesday, December 17, 2019 - 11:10am

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In most media portrayals, such as "The Arrival" or "War of the Worlds," the moment earthlings realize we aren't alone in the universe is terrifying.

But would humanity actually be terrified, or has most of Hollywood got it wrong?

New research from ASU Psychology Professor Michael Varnum — along with graduate students Jung Yul Kwon, Hannah Bercovici and Katja Cunningham — suggests people will have a more positive welcome for extra-terrestrials. The Show spoke with Varnum about potential cosmic encounters.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to credit the students who contributed to the study.

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