NASA explains the Fermi paradox: why aliens do not make contact.

According to ТСН: The Fermi paradox, which highlights the contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial civilizations existing and their absence, has remained a topic of contemplation for scientists for many years. If the universe is so vast and old, then where is everyone? Why have we not encountered a single 'little green man' or at least heard their radio signals? There are many answers to this question — from pessimistic (maybe they destroyed themselves) to fantastic (perhaps they have transitioned into a digital realm). However, a scientist from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Robin Corbett, suggests considering a less romantic option that he calls 'radical mundanity.'

This is discussed in his research published on the arXiv portal.

The theory of cosmic boredom

Corbett suggests that our galaxy may conceal numerous forms of life, but these civilizations are unlikely to seek to explore the starry expanses like in 'Star Wars.' The scientist believes that advanced civilizations face a certain 'ceiling of motivation.'

Instead of building giant Dyson spheres around stars or sending fleets of spacecraft to other worlds, aliens may conclude that the costs and risks of travel do not justify themselves. The logic is simple: any expansion requires enormous resources and energy. If a civilization has reached a comfortable standard of living, why spend trillions on journeys that do not bring anything fundamentally new?

The habituation effect

The researcher draws a parallel with the biological process of habituation, when the organism stops responding to repeated stimuli.

Imagine a civilization that has already explored several neighboring systems and found only rocks, gas, or primitive bacteria. Over time, their enthusiasm wanes. Highly developed societies may conclude that the universe is roughly the same in all its corners, and new contacts will not bring new knowledge or technologies.

Disappointment instead of fear

Thus, according to Corbett's theory, the absence of a 'WOW!' signal does not indicate that we are feared or that they wish to destroy us. It may mean that we are simply not interesting enough to spend fuel on interstellar flight.

'The discovery of extraterrestrial life may not lead to a significant increase in our technological level and may somewhat disappoint us,' the scientist concludes.

This means that even if we ever find intelligent beings, they may be homebodies who prefer to solve their own problems rather than communicate with distant and noisy neighbors like us.

Recall that an international group of researchers recently stated that they mathematically disproved the popular theory that our universe might be a giant computer simulation, akin to that portrayed in the movie 'The Matrix.' The scientists termed this idea, supported by Elon Musk among others, as not just improbable, but fundamentally impossible.

This situation outlines the importance of further research in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, as understanding the reasons for the absence of contact with other civilizations may change our perception of our own identity on a cosmic scale. Corbett's conclusions also open new perspectives for discussions about the motivations and values of advanced civilizations, which may not seek interstellar travel at all.