The science of ‘Stranger Things’: Purdue experts weigh in
Purdue faculty members Hongmi Lee, Shreyas Sen and Alexandra Boltasseva explain some of the science behind what we see in the Netflix cult classic “Stranger Things.” (Purdue University photo illustration/Olivia Sarault)
Perhaps some of the Indiana-based sci-fi series’ subject matter is not so far-fetched after all
Millions of viewers remain spellbound by the fantastical events of “Stranger Things” — Netflix’s classic 1980s science fiction series whose final episode will arrive Dec. 31. Although the show is renowned for seemingly impossible action involving mind control, traveling to parallel dimensions and battling monsters, perhaps some of its subject matter may not be so fictional after all.
Here, Purdue experts weigh in on whether what we see on “Stranger Things” is possible — or could be someday — and the fear factor that has kept us binge-watching through the years.
Q: Could the brain ever control objects — or other people’s thoughts?
A: The human brain remains a profound mystery, yet innovative engineering is opening new doors. Low- to mid-bandwidth brain readouts allow for basic digital control via thought, but advances in high-bandwidth transmission from brain implants to wearables are now enabling richer, more complex interactions, as discussed in recent Nature Electronics research.
These leaps promise more meaningful ways to connect our minds with technology. As new possibilities emerge, society must amplify the benefits and thoughtfully shape boundaries to ensure the ethical use of these opportunities. For now, while direct machine control is real, controlling other minds remains firmly in the realm of science fiction.
— Shreyas Sen, Elmore Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
For now, while direct machine control is real, controlling other minds remains firmly in the realm of science fiction.
Shreyas Sen
Elmore Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Q: Could electromagnetic energy ever open a gate between two worlds?
A: Electromagnetic energy can not — so far! — open a gate between worlds, but light waves tirelessly carry all your Zoom conversations and Netflix streaming across the world.
And remember, physics has not ruled out multiverses and quantum tunneling!
— Alexandra Boltasseva, Ron and Dotty Garvin Tonjes Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Q: Why do monsters feel real even when we know they’re not?
A: Even when we consciously know the monsters in “Stranger Things” aren’t real, our brains respond as if they are because fear circuits (e.g., the amygdala) are wired to detect and react to threat cues automatically, before rational thought can intervene.
Even when we consciously know the monsters in “Stranger Things” aren’t real, our brains respond as if they are because fear circuits (e.g., the amygdala) are wired to detect and react to threat cues automatically, before rational thought can intervene.
Hongmi Lee
Assistant professor, Department of Psychological Sciences
Immersive storytelling amplifies this effect. Engaging narratives draw us into the characters’ experiences, activating brain regions involved in memory and emotion. As a result, we don’t just watch the fear — we may feel it.
These emotional and physiological responses can linger after the show ends as our brains tend to replay the story, especially when it is particularly engaging and immersive (e.g., Bellana et al., 2022).
— Hongmi Lee, assistant professor, Department of Psychological Sciences
