If you've ever felt too embarrassed to admit you think we're not alone in the universe, you have a lot of secret company. A significant new study reveals that the vast majority of highly-educated individuals privately accept the existence of intelligent alien life, but social pressure keeps them from saying so.
The 'Cosmic Closet' of Hidden Belief
Researchers from Harvard University in the US and Reichman University in Israel conducted a survey to investigate belief in extraterrestrial intelligence. They questioned 6,114 highly-educated and scientifically interested people, all of whom held degrees, postgraduate qualifications, or doctorates. The participants, with an average age of 49, were primarily based in the UK, US, Spain, and Canada.
The results, published in Cornell University's ArXiv science journal, were startling. The study found that 95 per cent of respondents believed extra-terrestrial intelligent life exists. In stark contrast, a mere one per cent – just 60 people – were convinced that alien life probably or definitely does not exist.
A Stark Gap Between Private Belief and Public Perception
Despite this overwhelming private conviction, the research uncovered a profound social disconnect. The participants estimated that only half (48 per cent) of their peers would share their belief. This phenomenon, which the researchers termed staying in the 'cosmic closet', represents what they call 'one of the largest documented cases of pluralistic ignorance'.
Pluralistic ignorance occurs when individuals conform to a perceived social norm they privately disagree with, mistakenly believing most others accept it. 'Concerns about appearing unscientific, particularly among educated people, may suppress expression,' the authors wrote. They added that the 'association of extra-terrestrial intelligence beliefs with fringe communities and conspiracy theories creates reputation risk.'
This fear of ridicule creates a vicious cycle: 'individuals remain silent about their beliefs, interpreting others' silence as scepticism.'
Experts' Beliefs Also Underestimated
The misperception extends to views of scientific experts. Those surveyed drastically underestimated the conviction of specialists in the field. They believed only 21 per cent of experts were definite about alien life. The reality is far more conclusive: nearly 60 per cent of astrobiologists – scientists dedicated to studying the potential for life beyond Earth – are believers.
The findings resonate with recent public statements from prominent UK scientists. Just last month, one of Britain's top space experts, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock from University College London's Department of Physics and Astronomy, declared she is 'absolutely convinced' aliens exist. She predicted a 'positive detection' of life on another planet by 2075.
The study concludes that belief in intelligent life elsewhere in the cosmos is not a fringe view held by a minority, but a widely held conviction shrouded in unnecessary secrecy. As the evidence mounts and leading scientists speak out, the door to the 'cosmic closet' may finally begin to open.
