zoo hypothesis
A proposed solution to the Fermi paradox suggesting that extraterrestrial civilizations intentionally avoid contact with humanity, observing us like animals in a zoo.
The zoo hypothesis is the idea that extraterrestrial life intentionally avoids contact with humanity.
The Fermi paradox is the broader question of why we haven't found evidence of aliens; the zoo hypothesis is one possible answer.
Compound of 動物園 (zoo) + 仮説 (hypothesis), a calque of the English term 'zoo hypothesis'.