After engaging with material assigned for GenEd 1112, I found myself wondering: Would the confirmation of extraterrestrial life even have any implication on modern society at large? I think, of course, this greatly depends on the characteristics of the ET we discover (if ever). If this new life was purely a non-intelligent microorganism found through asteroid mining or the exploration of our solar system’s other bodies, I doubt that – for many people – this discovery would survive outside of small talk produced by a short buzz among news outlets. It may come within my earshot while browsing social media platforms, but that’s it – or at least would be the case for myself and most people I know.
I do agree with Kelsey Johnson in that there would likely be a wave of space-interested folks, a new Nobel laureate, and better funding for ET quests. I was completely unaware before listening to Jill Tarter’s interview with Alyssa Goodman not only that the United States’ government funded such expeditions, but that this funding was halted and replaced by private actors years back. In these ways, I do suppose the confirmation of ET life would impact the scientific research and economics of these groups, as this feels standard among scientific milestones. But it gets more difficult per religion because human thoughts and behaviors are incredibly diverse and complex. Many individuals attribute life on Earth to the existence of a higher power (or powers) despite only knowing Earth. But as studies continue to show religion losing its grasp on the world, I am inclined to arrive at the same conclusion as before: ETs, for many, would be for passing conversations.