The late Stephen Hawking raised his concerns about AI and others warned that AI should be permanently "air-gapped" and not connected to the internet. Whatever the rights and the wrongs of this debate is no longer relevant because that particular has already been released from his lamp. However AI is not inherently a threat—but it can become one depending on how it's developed, deployed, and governed.
As with all technologies it depends on how it is wielded. Even the notorious Zyklon B was originally developed as a pesticide and even in Auschwitz it was used to delouse prisoners. This is not understating the evil it was used for itself, but as with all objects it is amoral.
The debate is rich and nuanced, with experts, ethicists, creatives, and technologists weighing in from all angles. Let’s break it down:
Some researchers warn that advanced AI, especially artificial general intelligence (AGI), could surpass human control and pose extinction-level risks if misaligned with human values. We could even end up with an I Robot situation in which Asimov cleverly devised the three laws of Robotics and then just a quickly found a flaw in them which would have led to humanity effectively being herded into concentration camps "for our own good."
Another argument is that increased automation could threaten up to 300 million jobs globally by 2030, especially in roles that are repetitive or data-driven. However, this attitude dates back to the Luddites who were machine wrecking during the Industrial Revolution. What really does happen is that as technologies displace human labour that same human resource is then redirected into embracing the new technologies or moving into new areas. Not directly related, but coal miners should be retrained into more innovative areas rather than effectively dumped by society. One further implication is that AI could have mental Health and identity implications. In creative industries, generative AI is raising concerns about self-worth and purpose, as machines begin to replicate artistic output. I discussed this in another recent article.
AI systems can amplify misinformation, deepen polarization, and perpetuate algorithmic bias, especially when used in surveillance or decision-making. Just look into how TikTok and Reels algorithms work. It directs the user to more of what they like which is fine if you are just watching cats, but if you are watching extreme content then this too is amplified. The algorithm is based on how many seconds you spend of a video before you scroll.
Supporters argue that AI is about Augmentation, Not Replacement: Many believe AI enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them. Javed Akhtar, for example, likened AI to a “good secretary,” emphasizing that it lacks the emotional depth of human creativity. However in his follow up book to Sapiens Yuval Noah Harari argues that only the rich will be able to embrace such augmentation and in effect become superhumans and leave the rest behind. Consequently the divide between us and them or the haves and have nots will only become even greater (see Homo Deux a short history of the Future).. Sci-fi author Ken Liu argues that technology “completes humanity,” helping us understand ourselves better and expand our potential there is no evidence that this is universal. across humanity. The industrial revolution provided a lot of jobs but at great cost to living standards in its initial stages as the working class become slum dwellers. Maybe this is a short term pill that humanity needs to take to move on to the next level. However humanity does spell the end of evolution because we adapt our environment rather than adapt to our environment (worse case scenario is ironically illustrated in the movie WALL-E - this is the end game we might be heading for).
On a more positive note, with proper regulation, transparency, and alignment strategies, AI can be a powerful tool for solving global challenges—from climate modeling to medical breakthroughs. It's capacity to utilise information and turn it into some useful far exceeds the capability of the human mind. However at this stage the old principle of GIGO (Garbage in Garbage out) still applies because it is still constrained by its sources. If it achieves sentience this may change.
So finally, it’s not whether AI is a threat—it’s how we choose to shape its trajectory. As Pope Leo XIV put it, the danger lies in losing sight of human dignity and values amid rapid technological progress
