Everyday life on Earth is filled with routines and habits that might seem perfectly normal to us but would likely leave an alien scratching its head. If you try to see human behavior from an outsider’s perspective, it’s easy to spot the quirks and oddities that make our species unique. From our love of small talk to the way we celebrate special occasions, here’s a list of 14 bizarre things humans do that would probably confuse an alien observer.
1. Celebrate Birthdays
Humans have a peculiar habit of celebrating the anniversary of their birth every year with parties, cake, and presents. It’s a way to mark the passage of time and to reflect on another year of life. From an alien perspective, this might seem odd since birth is a one-time event. Every year, people gather with friends and family to commemorate the occasion, often making wishes and blowing out candles on a cake. According to Dr. David Schnarch, a clinical psychologist, these rituals help reinforce social bonds and give individuals a sense of belonging in their communities.
The concept of birthdays can vary widely across cultures, with some even shunning the celebration entirely. In some places, the way people celebrate their birthdays can be influenced by traditions that have been passed down through generations. You might find it strange if an alien tried to understand why we put so much emphasis on a specific day. But for humans, it’s all about recognizing the journey of life and sharing that moment with loved ones. Birthdays are more than just parties; they’re a way to acknowledge growth and change.
2. Wear Clothes
Any alien observing Earth might be baffled by the amount of time humans spend covering up their bodies with various styles of clothing. We use fabrics of all kinds to protect ourselves from the environment, make fashion statements, and even express our personality. From a practical standpoint, clothes keep us warm in winter and safe from the sun in summer. However, the choices we make around clothing often have little to do with these basic needs. Fashion trends come and go, and what’s considered stylish today might be obsolete tomorrow.
The idea of wearing clothes might seem unnecessary to an alien species that perhaps has no concept of modesty or temperature control. But for humans, clothing is deeply intertwined with culture and identity. Your choice of clothing can say a lot about who you are, from your cultural background to your favorite sports team. It’s a way to communicate without speaking, making it an essential part of daily life. So while aliens might find it odd, for us, clothes are an integral part of human existence.
3. Engage In Small Talk
If aliens were to listen in on your daily conversations, they might be puzzled by the amount of small talk that occurs. You often exchange pleasantries about the weather, ask about someone’s weekend, or discuss the latest popular TV show. Small talk might seem pointless to an alien, but it serves an important social function among humans. According to Dr. Deborah Tannen, a professor of linguistics at Georgetown University, small talk is a “ritualized way to connect,” creating a sense of community and maintaining bonds.
Engaging in small talk helps people feel more comfortable in social settings, breaking the ice in unfamiliar situations. It’s a way to signal friendliness and approachability, even if the topics discussed are superficial. You might find yourself discussing the same few subjects repeatedly, yet these brief interactions can lead to deeper connections over time. Imagine an alien trying to figure out why humans spend so much time talking about things that seem inconsequential. But in human society, small talk is a crucial way to build rapport and establish relationships.
4. Eat With Utensils
For an alien observing human dining habits, the use of utensils might seem like an unnecessary complexity. Instead of simply using hands to eat, humans often rely on an array of forks, knives, and spoons to get food from plate to mouth. These tools are designed to help with cutting, scooping, and spearing food, making the eating process more efficient and tidy. It’s a practice deeply rooted in history, with utensils being used for thousands of years across different cultures. Yet it’s also something that might seem excessive to an outsider.
Using utensils is more than just a practical choice; it’s also about etiquette and cultural norms. In many societies, knowing how to properly handle a fork and knife is considered a sign of good manners. It’s a learned behavior that varies from culture to culture, often passed down from one generation to the next. If an alien were to join you for dinner, they might wonder why you don’t just eat directly with your hands. But for humans, utensils are an everyday part of dining, symbolizing civilization and refinement.
5. Watch Reality TV
The popularity of reality TV would surely perplex any alien trying to make sense of human entertainment. These shows often feature ordinary people in contrived situations, faced with challenges or simply going about their lives. Dr. Laurie Ouellette, a media studies expert, suggests that reality TV appeals to viewers because it combines the allure of real-life drama with the spectacle of entertainment. People are drawn to the unscripted nature and relatability of the participants, even if the scenarios are far from everyday reality.
Reality TV taps into a voyeuristic desire to peek into the lives of others, offering a form of escapism from daily routines. The genre has exploded in popularity, covering everything from cooking competitions to dramatic housemate conflicts. To an alien, the fascination with watching humans on screen could seem trivial or bizarre. Yet, for many, reality TV provides both amusement and insight into the human condition. It’s a reflection of society’s diverse interests and a testament to the complexity of human entertainment.
6. Form Lines
The human tendency to form lines, or queues, for everything from bank tellers to amusement park rides might be baffling to an alien observer. It’s a social convention that keeps things orderly and fair, ensuring that everyone gets their turn. Standing in line is a simple yet effective way to manage large groups of people in confined spaces. You might find yourself waiting patiently, even if the line seems unnecessarily long. It’s a practice that reflects patience and respect for others, qualities highly valued in human society.
Queues are deeply ingrained in some cultures, where the importance of waiting your turn is emphasized from a young age. While the concept of lining up might seem obvious to you, it’s not a universal practice across the globe. In some cultures, lines are less rigid, and people may not adhere to the same principles of order. However, in places where queues are respected, cutting in line can be seen as a serious breach of etiquette. An alien might find the practice puzzling, but forming lines is a hallmark of civilized social interaction.
7. Have Pets
Keeping pets is a widespread human practice that might puzzle an alien observer. People often form strong emotional bonds with animals like dogs, cats, and birds, treating them as full-fledged members of the family. This interspecies companionship might seem unusual to an alien, especially if they come from a world where such relationships are unheard of. According to Dr. John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist at the University of Bristol, the human-pet bond is rooted in ancient history, providing emotional and social benefits to both parties.
Owning a pet involves a significant commitment of time, energy, and resources, yet millions of people around the world willingly take on this responsibility. Pets offer companionship, reduce stress, and can even improve mental health. You might find yourself talking to your pet as if they understand every word, creating a unique form of communication. To an alien, this relationship could seem mystifying, but for humans, pets are cherished companions. They enrich our lives in countless ways, providing love and loyalty like no other.
8. Use Money
The concept of money as a means of exchange for goods and services might appear peculiar to an alien visitor. Humans rely on pieces of paper, coins, or even digital numbers to assign value and facilitate trade. It’s a system that requires mutual trust, as everyone agrees on the worth of these tokens. Money simplifies transactions in a complex global economy, acting as a universal intermediary. To an alien, it might seem strange to see people working tirelessly to accumulate these abstract symbols of value.
Money has been around for thousands of years, evolving from bartering systems to the sophisticated financial structures we know today. While the forms and denominations vary worldwide, the fundamental idea remains the same. You work to earn money, then spend it to meet your needs and desires. The pursuit of wealth can drive behavior and decisions, shaping societal structures and individual lives. An alien might struggle to comprehend why humans place such importance on these pieces of paper and metal, but for us, money is a cornerstone of everyday life.
9. Practice Religion
The diverse array of religious beliefs and practices on Earth might bewilder any alien observer. Humans follow countless religions, each with its own set of rituals, traditions, and deities. This spiritual diversity reflects humanity’s quest for meaning, understanding, and connection to something greater. Religion often shapes cultural identities, influencing everything from moral values to social customs. To an alien without spiritual inclinations, devoting time and energy to worship might seem perplexing.
Religion has played a crucial role in human history, providing explanations for the unknown and comfort in times of uncertainty. It’s a deeply personal aspect of life that can offer community, purpose, and a sense of belonging. You might pray, meditate, or participate in religious ceremonies, finding solace in these practices. An alien might question why humans follow these varied belief systems, but for many, religion is a vital part of existence. It offers insights into the mysteries of life, guiding moral and ethical decisions.
10. Use Emojis
Emojis have become a staple of modern communication, allowing humans to convey emotions and ideas in quick, visual bursts. These tiny digital images add nuance and clarity to text-based interactions, transcending language barriers. From smiling faces to thumbs-up icons, emojis have a universal appeal that might seem curious to an alien observer. They’re a new form of expression in an ever-evolving digital landscape, reflecting the human need for connection and understanding.
Despite their simplicity, emojis carry significant weight in digital conversations, sometimes altering the tone or intent of a message. You might use a heart emoji to express affection or a laughing emoji to signify amusement, adding depth to your words. This visual shorthand has changed the way people communicate, providing a richer, more dynamic form of interaction. An alien might wonder why humans rely on these colorful symbols, but for us, emojis are a playful and effective way to enhance communication. They capture the essence of human emotion in a fast-paced, tech-driven world.
11. Play Sports
The global enthusiasm for sports, from soccer to basketball, might leave an alien wondering why humans invest so much time and energy into these physical activities. Sports offer a mix of competition, entertainment, and community, drawing people together across cultural and geographical boundaries. They provide an outlet for physical exertion and a stage for showcasing skill and talent. To an alien, watching thousands of people gather to cheer for their favorite team might seem peculiar, but for humans, sports are a vital part of life.
Participating in sports can improve physical health, boost mental well-being, and foster teamwork and discipline. You might join a local team or support a national squad, sharing in the triumphs and challenges of the game. Sports have the power to unite people, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity. While an alien might see sports as a strange human pastime, for us, they offer a unique blend of excitement, camaraderie, and personal achievement. They’re more than just games; they’re a celebration of human potential.
12. Hold Weddings
The tradition of marriage and elaborate wedding ceremonies could puzzle an alien trying to understand human social customs. Weddings are significant life events, bringing together family and friends to celebrate the union of two individuals. They often involve rituals, vows, and festivities that can vary widely across cultures and religions. To an alien, the importance placed on this institution might be difficult to grasp, but for humans, weddings symbolize love, commitment, and the beginning of a new chapter.
Planning a wedding requires considerable effort and resources, yet many people see it as a necessary milestone. You might spend months organizing every detail, from the guest list to the floral arrangements, ensuring that the day is perfect. Weddings are not just about the couple; they’re about bringing together two families and fostering connections within the community. An alien might question the significance of such an elaborate event, but for humans, weddings are a celebration of love and unity. They mark the start of a lifelong partnership, deeply rooted in tradition and personal meaning.
13. Create Art
Humanity’s passion for creating art might leave an alien pondering the purpose and significance of these varied forms of expression. From painting and sculpture to music and dance, art reflects the depths of human creativity and imagination. It can evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and capture moments in time, offering insights into the human experience. To an alien, the abstract nature of art might seem puzzling, yet for humans, it’s a fundamental aspect of culture and communication.
Art transcends language, reaching people on a personal and emotional level, allowing them to connect with universal themes and ideas. You might visit a gallery, attend a concert, or even create your own works of art, finding meaning and inspiration in the process. Art is a way to explore identity, challenge perspectives, and express individuality. An alien might find it difficult to understand why humans invest so much in these creative endeavors, but for us, art enriches our lives. It’s a testament to the boundless potential of human expression and the enduring power of creativity.
14. Use Social Media
Social media has transformed the way humans connect and communicate, a phenomenon that might mystify an alien visitor. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow people to share thoughts, photos, and experiences with a global audience. They create virtual communities where individuals can interact, debate, and support one another. To an alien, the appeal of broadcasting personal details to the world might be perplexing, but for humans, social media is a tool for building relationships and fostering connection.
Despite its challenges, such as privacy concerns and misinformation, social media has become an integral part of modern life. You might use it to stay in touch with distant friends, follow trends, or engage in social causes. These platforms offer opportunities for self-expression and dialogue, shaping the way we perceive and interact with the world. An alien might struggle to comprehend the allure of social media, but for us, it’s a powerful force for change and connection. It reflects the complexities of human society and the ever-evolving nature of communication.