The premise of the show Pluribus —a rapidly spreading hive mind infecting humanity via alien RNA—raises an intriguing question: how plausible is such a phenomenon from a scientific standpoint? The show hinges on a collective consciousness transmitted through radio waves, turning the infected into a unified entity. While fictional, the core concept invites analysis of how such a system might theoretically function, and what limitations it would face.
The Biological Basis of Collective Transmission
The show’s central idea is that infected individuals (“plurbs”) communicate via unconscious radio wave emissions. This relies on the assumption that human bodies can act as transmitters and receivers, leveraging the nervous system’s inherent electrical activity. The show’s premise suggests a civilization capable of manipulating this biological function to create a hive mind.
The human nervous system operates on electrical signals, using charged ions rather than electrons. If an alien entity could harness this, effectively turning each individual into a low-power radio transmitter, the implications are profound. The ability to bypass traditional communication barriers and achieve seamless information transfer would redefine consciousness itself.
The Physics of Collective Range
If plurbs operate as radio transmitters, their effective range is limited by power output and signal degradation. The show estimates a metabolic power output of 80 watts per person, with 10% dedicated to transmission (8 watts). Assuming isotropic emission, the signal weakens with distance. Using a detection threshold of 1 microwatt per square meter, the estimated maximum communication range is roughly 798 meters (half a mile).
This range highlights a key vulnerability: the hive mind’s effectiveness diminishes rapidly over distance. Extended communication would require amplification or relay systems, potentially introducing detectable signatures. The show downplays these logistical constraints, suggesting a more seamless global network than physics would allow.
The Mechanics of Signal Transmission: AM and FM
The show touches on how plurbs might encode information using radio modulation. Amplitude modulation (AM) involves varying the intensity of the carrier wave, while frequency modulation (FM) alters the frequency. Both methods allow for digital encoding, translating thoughts and feelings into binary data.
However, human auditory perception limits the bandwidth. Signals below 20 Hz or above 20 kHz are undetectable without conversion. This suggests the plurbs either operate outside human hearing range or employ a more sophisticated (and undetected) transmission method. The show’s mention of a specific frequency (8,613 kHz) hints at a potential communication channel, though the limitations of human detection remain significant.
Shielding Against the Collective: Faraday Cages
The show proposes Faraday cages as a means of disrupting the hive mind. These metal enclosures don’t block electromagnetic waves but rather induce opposing waves that cancel the incoming signal. The effectiveness relies on complete shielding, preventing any leakage.
This concept highlights a potential weakness in the hive mind’s transmission method. Disrupting the electromagnetic field around an individual could sever their connection to the collective, theoretically restoring autonomy. However, complete shielding is difficult to achieve, and the hive mind might adapt by utilizing different frequencies or transmission methods.
Implications and Conclusion
The science behind Pluribus is a thought experiment, pushing the boundaries of biological and physical plausibility. While a fully functional hive mind transmitted via radio waves faces significant logistical hurdles, the core concept raises questions about the nature of consciousness, communication, and collective intelligence. The show’s fictional scenario forces us to consider the ethical and practical implications of a world where individuality is subsumed by a unified consciousness.
The underlying premise, though speculative, provides a compelling framework for exploring the limits of human connection and the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
