As the world's technological development accelerates, questions about the safety of artificial intelligence (AI) and the limits of its control over humans are on the rise. With the rise of smart apps like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot, the conversation has shifted from admiration to concern, from heralding the technological revolution to warning of a "digital apocalypse."
The Conversation asked five of Australia's leading experts a straightforward question: Is AI an existential threat to humanity?
Three out of five experts: No real existential threat
Three of the five experts agreed that the "existential threat" is an exaggerated exaggeration, and that the real dangers lie not in AI itself, but in its misuse by humans or in the absence of ethical and regulatory frameworks.
They pointed out that the real-world challenges are: The proliferation of misinformation produced by generative tools, algorithmic discrimination in employment, justice and finance decisions, job losses in multiple sectors as a result of automation, and over-reliance on intelligent systems to make sensitive decisions.
According to Aaron J. "AI is not an existential threat per se, but rather a mirror of the nature of the societies that use it," said Aaron J. Snowswell, a researcher at the Queensland University of Technology.
Professor Neosha Shafiabadi of the Australian Catholic University argues that talk of a "superintelligence destroying humanity" is based more on cinematic visualizations than science, noting that current systems do not have self-awareness or independent will.
Another team warns: Ignoring the possibility is a strategic mistake
Seyed Ali Mirjalili and Simon Coghlan warned that it is dangerous to underestimate the long-term risks.
According to them, the rapid development of AI could lead to uncontrollable systems, especially if they exceed human abilities to learn, plan, and create.
Coghlan, deputy director of the Center for AI Ethics at the University of Melbourne, said: "The threat is not the intent of AI, but the possibility that we might give it the power to make decisions that we don't fully understand."
Mergelli, a professor of artificial intelligence at Australia's Torrens University, also called for the creation of international oversight bodies, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency, to oversee the development of AI and its sensitive applications, especially in the fields of defense and cybersecurity.
Between optimism and caution: An uncertain but manageable future
Experts agree that artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape the world economically and culturally, but it is still a human tool. According to researchers, the greatest danger today is not "superintelligence that destroys us," but the irresponsible use of this technology, whether by governments, companies or individuals.
The report summarizes the current scientific situation: AI is not the enemy of humanity, but it could become one if left unchecked and unethical.
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