Why Do We Want to Believe in Extraterrestrial Life?

However, that doesn’t mean that every non-religious individual will start believing in other extraterrestrial forms of life. But according to Abeyta, the lack of religion contributes to triggering a common human desire for answers, and most people are curious to find out ‘Why are we here on Earth? Why are we alive?’

However, there are other researchers that do not support Andrew Abeyta’s theory. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Fribourg links believing in a higher purpose to the Bible and divine creation. According to the study, the more religious some people are, the more likely they are to believe in extraterrestrial life and other conspiracy theories.

As Karen Douglas, professor of social psychology at the University of Kent who participated in the study has explained, belief in extraterrestrials is connected to religious belief and education. According to the study, the more educated people are, the less likely it is for them to believe in conspiracy theories.

In fact, Douglas believes that those who tend to believe in these things usually come from disadvantaged groups.