I am kind of a scientist myself

Some people- especially those who rent- don’t have outlets in a way that is conducive to their layout. There are many “cord covers” available however that easily, cheaply, and non permanently allow one to cover such cords with a small “ramp” which allows for relatively normal use of the floor area. So I agree that having a cord simply strewn across an area of floor isn’t the best solution- but if it is temporary until a better permanent solution can be enacted, it would make sense and such a “work around” as balloons would make sense.

I have to use an extension cord to use my laptop in my recliner chair. I run it under my couch and behind a table, but it's still a bitch between that and the outlet, which is a good 3.5 feet. I use that outlet because it doesn't cross over the natural pathways my furniture creates; the nearest outlet is actually 4 feet away, but if I put my cord there I'd have to step over it anytime I got up to do anything besides turn on my TV or PS3 manually.