The discovery of potential extraterrestrial intelligence could harm humanity, according to the authors of a new study. Although not everyone agrees with this.
Scientists around the world are currently searching for signals from representatives of extraterrestrial intelligence. Perhaps humanity will be able to establish contact with aliens in the future. And even if it is assumed that they will not be hostile, the very fact of contact with an extraterrestrial civilization could lead to conflicts on Earth. This is the opinion of researchers from the University of Texas. However, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania believe that such a scenario is possible, but highly unlikely, writes ScienceAlert.
For many people, the existence of aliens still remains something from the realm of science fiction. But many scientists believe that we are not alone in the universe. Therefore, radio telescopes are currently aimed at space, trying to catch a signal from representatives of an advanced extraterrestrial civilization.
Many scientists believe that we are not alone in the universe. Therefore, radio telescopes are currently aimed at space, trying to catch a signal from representatives of an advanced extraterrestrial civilization.
Earlier, the famous physicist Stephen Hawking warned that if extraterrestrials exist, they could be very hostile towards other species. And their main goal is to subjugate and colonize new planets. But what if these extraterrestrials are friendly? What consequences could contact with them lead to?
Meeting with extraterrestrials can be dangerous for humanity for several reasons, as outlined in a study by scientists from the University of Texas.
Firstly, the existence of extraterrestrial civilization can cause outrage among religious people, leading to turmoil and religious conflicts. However, the main risk identified by scientists is the potential monopolization of knowledge by the country that first establishes contact. This could lead to conflicts over possession of new technologies and even trigger a world war.
Even if there is initially an exchange of information between different countries, historical examples, such as alliances during World War II turning into enmity afterward, suggest that such alliances can change over time. Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania disagree with these conclusions, stating that the idea of knowledge monopolization is unlikely, as the modern scientific community is interconnected, and such a scenario has a low probability.
Critics also point out the attractive aspect of obtaining new technologies from extraterrestrials. However, doubts exist about humanity’s ability to effectively use this knowledge without negative consequences.
Overall, scientists believe that the likelihood of a global catastrophe resulting from contact with extraterrestrial civilization is low but not ruled out. Collaboration is essential to minimize potential negative consequences in the event of contact.
The question remains: Do extraterrestrials exist, and if so, how will their interaction with humans unfold?
