[–] Comrade_Meow 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago (edited ago)
That depends entiiiiirely on what we encounter.
Let's say for the sake of argument that they're not the same type of parasites that humans currently are and see us as competition for resources. Yea, it'd be fantastic.
Or if we find primitive life that is below or well below our intelligence level (animals or even bacteria on a foreign planet) also great.
Aside from that, we're fucked. They'll go Christopher Columbus on our ass and we'll either be obliderated or enslaved or held captive simply to experiment on and learn more about the universe. Honestly I find this to be the most likely option. I really hope we don't find this type of life (if it exists) in my lifetime
[–] InterestedParty 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago (edited ago)
I think it would be a good thing. It would answer the question to our uniqueness.
It also might help humanity shift away from its internalized perspective. If we can look at a broader picture as a whole, there might be less war/fighting if we realize there is more than just this, it could pave the way for a golden age of advancement.
If it happened to be advanced/sentient beings, it would of course be predicated on them being friendly in nature. If not then well... that would be bad.
[–] [deleted] 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
[–] mondogecko 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Ayyy! Ayyy! Ayyy!--
You like that you fucking freak?
Ayyy! Ayyy! Ayyyyyyyyyyyy... sigh
[–] Arotaes_Forgehammer 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Well, if it was intelligent, it would definitely help unify humanity.
[–] Limpingdead 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
If life was non sentient it would be a great thing. It would boost science awareness and get people interested again in space. A sentient life form would be a different thing all together. Some would fear them, religion would hate them, some would even worship them. Too much chaos.
[–] Rostin 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Came here looking for speculation that religious people would have a big problem with ET, and wasn't disappointed.
Several religious science fiction writers have played around with this idea. Pope Francis said recently that he would baptize aliens.
I don't think it would be as disruptive as many seem to imagine (or hope).