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Are Today’s Aliens More Human Than Ever? Exploring Modern UFO Myths and Cultural Shifts

Source: From ‘Bugonia’ to ‘Pluribus’: Why today’s aliens aren’t like they used to be (2025-11-21)

In recent years, our collective fascination with extraterrestrial life has evolved from classic sci-fi tales to complex reflections of human society and psychology. As of November 2025, new narratives about aliens reveal more about our loneliness, distrust, and desire for connection than about actual life beyond Earth. A recent article in EL PAÍS highlights how modern UFO stories serve as mirrors of contemporary anxieties, with some tales rooted in real events like the Chilean ATLAS observatory’s detection of interstellar objects, while others are pure fiction, such as viral conspiracy theories and satirical films. These stories are increasingly intertwined with cultural and political themes, illustrating how our perceptions of aliens have shifted from mysterious visitors to symbols of societal alienation. Recent facts expanding on this trend include: 1. The Chilean ATLAS observatory confirmed the detection of the third interstellar object in history, 3I/ATLAS, fueling global speculation about alien visitors, yet scientific consensus remains cautious, emphasizing natural origins. 2. The viral spread of conspiracy theories about alien abductions and UFO sightings has surged, driven by social media platforms that amplify misinformation, often blurring the line between fact and fiction. 3. Films like Yorgos Lanthimos’ *Bugonia* and series such as Vince Gilligan’s *Pluribus* use extraterrestrial themes to critique political alienation, distrust in institutions, and societal fragmentation, reflecting current cultural anxieties. 4. The concept of a “happiness virus” that connects all minds globally, as depicted in fictional narratives, echoes real-world concerns about digital connectivity and the potential for collective psychological influence through technology. 5. Recent scientific advancements include the development of more sophisticated SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) technologies, which now analyze not only radio signals but also potential biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres, increasing the likelihood of detecting extraterrestrial life in the coming decade. This shift in alien narratives underscores a broader cultural phenomenon: our modern stories about extraterrestrials are less about discovering alien civilizations and more about understanding ourselves. As technology advances and our social fabric faces new challenges, the image of the alien has become a versatile symbol—representing the unknown, the other, and sometimes, our own inner fears and hopes. Whether through real scientific discoveries or fictional tales, the way we perceive extraterrestrial life continues to evolve, revealing as much about human nature as about the cosmos itself.

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