What if?
#400: In this episode of GT Radio, Josué Cardona is joined by Link Keller, Lara Taylor, and Marc Cuiriz for a wide-ranging conversation about the psychology, appeal, and risks of “what if” thinking. What starts as Marc’s curiosity about alternate timelines in fiction turns into a thoughtful exploration of rumination, imagination, anxiety, hope, and why humans seem wired to replay—or rewrite—reality.
The group distinguishes between different kinds of “what ifs”:
- Looking backward, often tied to regret, shame, or rumination
- Looking forward, used for planning, preparation, and imagination
- Exploring fictional what ifs, which give us safe spaces to play with ideas that might feel overwhelming or impossible in real life
Lara emphasizes that backward-looking what ifs in our personal lives often aren’t productive unless they help us change future behavior. Without that forward application, they can trap people in self-blame and emotional paralysis. Forward-looking what ifs, however, can support decision-making—unless they turn into anxiety-driven catastrophizing.
Link frames science fiction itself as a genre built almost entirely on “what if,” suggesting that humanity uses these stories to collectively process rapid technological, social, and cultural change. From dystopias to utopias, these imagined futures allow societies to rehearse fears, hopes, and ethical dilemmas before they arrive.
Josué reflects on how “what if” thinking shows up in anxiety, preparation, and even moral reasoning—using imagined extremes (“what if everyone did this?”) as a way to guide ethical decisions. He also shares how running too many future simulations at once can become draining, both personally and culturally, drawing parallels to multiverse storytelling fatigue in modern media.
Marc discusses how backward what ifs once dominated his inner world, especially in adolescence, but how learning to shift focus toward present and future possibilities has helped reduce their emotional grip. The group acknowledges that while humans can’t stop themselves from imagining alternatives, learning how and when to engage with those thoughts makes a significant difference.
The conversation also touches on fan fiction, alternate universes, and reboots as communal “what if” playgrounds—spaces where people can explore identity, justice, representation, and belonging without rewriting real history. Afrofuturism, indigenous futurism, and speculative reimaginings are discussed as examples of hopeful, forward-facing “what ifs” that inspire action rather than regret.
Ultimately, the group lands on a shared understanding: “What if” is a powerful tool—but like any tool, it can help build or cause harm depending on how it’s used. Stories give us a place to practice imagining different outcomes when real life offers no rewinds.
Characters / Media Mentioned:
- Black Mirror
- Star Trek
- Marvel’s What If...?
- This Is Us
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Family Guy
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- The Matrix
- Binti
- Black Panther
Themes / Topics Discussed:
- “What If” Thinking
- Rumination vs. Imagination
- Anxiety and Catastrophizing
- Decision-Making and Moral Reasoning
- Fan Fiction and Alternate Universes
- Science Fiction as Social Commentary
- Hope, Fear, and Futurism
- Preparation vs. Paralysis
- Multiverse Fatigue
- Storytelling as Simulation
Relatable Experiences:
- Replaying Past Decisions
- Getting Stuck in “If Only” Thinking
- Imagining Worst-Case Scenarios
- Over-Preparing for the Future
- Loving a Story and Wanting More
- Feeling Disappointed by Adaptations
- Using Fiction to Process Fear or Hope
- Struggling to Let Go of Alternate Outcomes
Join the discussion on the GT Forum at https://forum.geektherapy.org and connect with the Geek Therapy Network through the links at https://geektherapy.org.
Do you tend to “what if” the past or the future more?
When has imagining alternatives helped you—and when has it held you back?
What fictional “what if” stories have stayed with you the longest?
