EBS's Knowledge Channel e will take viewers on a three-night journey from an internet horror phenomenon to an ancient civilization and finally to the psychology of modern social media, linking seemingly unrelated stories through one central question: what drives human fear, choice and the need for connection?
Airing from July 13 to 15, the documentary series explores how people respond to uncertainty, belief and relationships, suggesting that the same fundamental instincts continue to shape human behavior across time.
The unsettling psychology behind the Backrooms
The first episode investigates the viral internet phenomenon known as the "Backrooms," a fictional labyrinth of endless yellow corridors that has become one of the internet's most recognizable horror myths.
Rather than treating it as simply an online trend, the program examines why such imagery feels deeply unsettling. Psychological concepts including the "doorway effect," in which memories become less accessible after passing through a doorway, and the loss of spatial orientation in repetitive environments help explain why seemingly ordinary spaces can provoke intense anxiety.
The episode argues that horror often emerges not from visible threats, but from endless familiarity and uncertainty that disrupt the brain's expectations.
The Aztec ritual where sport and sacrifice became one
The second installment turns to the ancient Aztec civilization, where ceremonial ball games represented far more than athletic competition.
Matches carried profound religious significance, with outcomes closely tied to sacrifice and beliefs about sustaining the cosmic order. The arena functioned as both a sporting venue and a sacred ritual space.
Instead of focusing solely on the violence associated with these ceremonies, the documentary explores the cultural values behind them, examining ideas of faith, communal responsibility and respect within an entirely different understanding of competition and survival.
Why constant connection can leave people feeling isolated
The final episode shifts to today's digital world, where smartphones and social media have made communication easier than ever while simultaneously contributing to loneliness and emotional fatigue.
The program explores the tension between curated online identities and authentic selves, as well as the psychological pressure created by constant visibility and the expectation of immediate feedback.
It also highlights emerging trends toward smaller, more meaningful communities and more authentic online interactions, suggesting that while digital platforms continue to evolve, the underlying human desire to connect remains unchanged.
Across its three episodes, Knowledge Channel e asks a simple but enduring question: Why do humans fear, what motivates our choices, and how do we build meaningful relationships? Through science, history and contemporary life, the series offers a concise yet thoughtful exploration of the instincts that continue to shape humanity.
Knowledge Channel e airs on EBS1 at 12:40 a.m. from July 13 to 15.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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