Loneliness in Space Travel? - Offworld episode 9

This week on Offworld, we explore the trope of isolation and loneliness in science fiction space travel, and how both fictional and real-world astronauts cope with being away from home for extended missions. Joining us are neuroscientist Indre Viskontas and field geophysicist Mika McKinnon for a lively discussion on how sci-fi depicts the very real challenge of isolation in space!

Shot by Gunther Kirsch

Tested is:

Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman

Thanks for watching!

[jerbearnone]

There are plenty of studies that prove that with a certain amount of intrapersonal communication missing the human brain begins to degragate. This is a common issue with prison inmates.

[rilakumacakerolls]

I love this futuristic discussion. Thank you. So inspirational.

[JonathanJONeill]

Was kinda surprised that "Castaway" wasn't mentioned in all this talk regarding isolation. It's probably the most iconic movie with someone being alone for such a long period of time.

[snakesocks]

I got excited for a moment because I saw the thumbnail and thought you had Samantha Cristoforetti as a guest.

[gawayne]

(entuthiastically) "Sometimes I have the TV alone, even in mute just not to feel so alone!"... Akward silence

[Lunareon]

Very interesting discussion about isolation in space as well as on Earth. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts! As for what I'd take with me, it would definitely be art supplies. Creative activities give you a sense of accomplishment as well as something to improve, so I think they would be great for coping with isolation. :)

[richw]

Sending people who need less social interaction, like those on the aspergers spectrum seem a logical choice, those who can immerse themselves in hobbies for months at a time. Those who are less extroverted too, who gain their self esteem from within, it seems we are trying to send the most sociable extroverted people because they rise to the top, by way of making the most noise, but it doesn't seem like the path of least of resistance to initially colonise space.

[autumncolours]

Sadly to old to space travel. But I could make a fabulous embroidered tapestry of my journey and teaching textiles.

[cesarpena]

Hey last week I was in space camp in Huntsville Alabama!😄

[willemvandebeek]

just a laptop with an internet connection probably with a huge delay... but that shouldnt matter if you are downloading content

[OperationDarkside]

A good sandbox game can keep me going for a while

[brentbraniff]

My guitar (maybe both of my favorite ones), a computer with Reason and Pro Tools....a couple a good mics and a keyboard (with a Focusrite interface, of course)....some art supplies, my Nikon (the computer should have Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom included) and I'm pretty much set.

[oupsyeViw]

What about the movie ‘Sunshine’? That a fairly brutal examination of loneliness in space.

[relafen]

Just asking can you discuss about the concept of time in space, and how people will literally be in their own bubble. The concept of in sync time to people in different planets and how progress and communication will factor in this.

[Wladislav]

I would probably almost as worried about a lack of privacy in space as the I would be about the loneliness.

[scoobydoobyyt]

give me fallout 3 and i think i would manage for a couple years

[DanielRieger]

probably a vr game, or just something I could play, a bunch of series, documentaries, movies, music. Pretty much a laptop and a usb stick! not asking much really. I could finally have the time to get into witcher and fallout

[cheesecakelasagna]

Reminds me of the music video for "Let's Go" by Stuck in The Sound!

[nwokodi]

i would have a couple of 5tb drives one for learning tutorials and the other movies/shows

[nagi]

Music, catch up on TV series, games ....and I already have enough books to last several lifetimes.