Researchers in Antarctica or astronauts in documentaries appear calm as they analyze data and make rational decisions even in crisis situations.

However, actual reports reveal many issues, such as team morale being shattered over trivial matters, decreased focus, and disrupted sleep. In the past, selecting individuals without proper filtering led to numerous problems.

Psychologists refer to Antarctic bases as "the most space-like living environment on Earth."

This means it serves as an excellent laboratory to observe what happens when humans are confined for extended periods.

Isolation. This feeling reportedly creeps in slowly over time.

At first, most people are fine. There's excitement about the new environment and a sense of responsibility for the mission.

But as time passes, reality begins to set in.

During the Antarctic winter, blizzards can prevent planes from landing for three months or more.

All you see outside in Antarctica is snow. The schedule is the same every day: research, equipment checks, meals, exercise. It's a loop.

Psychologists call this "sensory deprivation." When prolonged, it leads to decreased concentration and lethargy.

In Antarctica, there are periods when the sun doesn't set for months or doesn't rise for months.

When sleep is disrupted, it triggers a chain reaction. Emotional regulation deteriorates, and irritability can explode over minor issues.

It's easy to predict what happens when people are stuck in a confined space with the same individuals.

Interpersonal conflicts — the key issue is that there's no escape.

In regular society, if a conflict arises with someone, you can simply avoid them. You can create distance.

But in an Antarctic base, that's not possible. You share bathrooms, eat together, and sleep in close quarters.

As a result, minor personality differences can completely change the team atmosphere within days.

This isn't an exaggeration; it's documented in official research reports.

That's why, when selecting researchers or astronauts for Antarctica, evaluating personality and teamwork skills is just as important as assessing professional abilities.

In Antarctic research, it has been observed that as winter deepens and external interactions cease, the overall mood of the base declines.

Decreased motivation, reduced focus, and feelings of depression. In severe cases, slight declines in cognitive abilities or memory have also been observed.

Astronauts can communicate with their families via video calls or messages, but it's not the same as meeting in person.

Humans are social animals that require physical contact. No matter how advanced technology becomes, nothing has yet replaced this need.

There's a reason NASA operates separate psychological counseling programs for astronauts and family communication programs.

Fortunately, most researchers and astronauts successfully complete their missions. Human adaptability is stronger than expected.

There are conditions. Maintaining a regular routine, exercising, engaging in hobbies, and teamwork.

If these four elements begin to crumble, the entire system starts to shake. Enduring without structure always leads to defeat in the long run.

This isn't just applicable to Antarctica or space. During the COVID lockdown, many people experienced similar situations on a smaller scale.

Sunlight, natural scenery, and interactions with diverse people. Without these, we all already know to some extent what happens to humans.

When I experienced remote work and stayed home, I felt something similar. After a few months, my focus waned, and my routine began to break down.

Antarctica or space is just an extreme version of that.

Ultimately, human hardware isn't designed to function properly without a social environment. It's just how we are made.