Flies and other insects circling bulbs is actually a pretty terrible result of their extensive history of evolution without artificial light. They feel like they’re flying straight as far as vision is concerned, while the rest of their body is describing circles.

This seems to be incredibly recent research:

4 December 2025

Instead, Fabian argues that new camera technology, finally up to the task of capturing fast-flying insects at night, points to a somewhat novel explanation: what’s known as the dorsal light response, in which insects orient themselves so their upper sides face the brightest area around them.

https://aeon.co/videos/do-we-finally-understand-why-winged-insects-seem-drawn-to-light

Even the researcher says himself they still can’t say 100% for sure

It’s probably a pretty shitty experience that does often result in death (especially if they’re circling a bug zapper), and most humans just laugh at it.

I’ve never seen anyone laugh at insects flocking around a light let alone “most humans”, who are you friends with ?