Among the fears and expectations around AI the big one is that it might destroy humanity.  Unlikely in my view although who knows where the bends in the technological road will take us. 

There is a lot more development to be done but the human race has always been very enthusiastic about creating things that could destroy it, nuclear power, drought, climate change, pandemics, are all things where humanity has behaved in a way that encourages possibly terminal disaster. 

Our early ancestors came very close to it because of climate change, without any intervention by AI.  So far many, many people have died, and civilisations have been destroyed, but humanity has just about survived.  History would tell us that may not always be so.

There is a view, that I share, that something that is more intelligent than the average human is probably to be welcomed.  As a species we have managed to demonstrate startling stupidity over the years. Working together with AI we just might be able to improve and prolong human existence. But that does mean that we need to understand and use AI.  This will require global collaboration and our track record is not great on that.

Can we manage it?  Can well-meaning AI scientists convince governments and terrorist organisations to put the genie back in the bottle when the genie could deliver them competitive advantage?  Look at some of the nuclear powers today and ask yourself that question. 

There are bad actors in nations and in groups of individuals.  If you think you can keep AI out of the hands of terrorists, then think again.  So be careful what you do but use the tools that humanity has developed for humanity’s advantage.

Whatever may be said about ostriches, burying your head in the sand is not a survival strategy,