Futurists do not envision a super-intelligent AI leading to a doomsday scenario.

• The majority of futurists surveyed about AI were optimistic about its impact on the world of work.
• Experts predict that AI's impact on the job market and small business vs. large corporation competition will be positive, despite humans' innate fear of the worst.
• Tata Consultancy Services' principal futurist, Frank Diana, argues that discussions about the benefits of technology are hindered by concerns about conscious robots and artificial superintelligence.

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence has sparked concern among many, with a U.S. government-funded study warning of the "uncontrollable" consequences of AI. There are fears of catastrophic consequences from AI-powered cyberattacks and the potential loss of jobs as AI replaces tasks.

But doom is only one interpretation of AI.

A recent survey by Tata Consultancy Services found that experts predict that AI is likely to provide a roadmap for a better, more equitable world by helping humanity overcome its worst impulses.

Frank Diana, managing partner and principal futurist at Tata, stated that we are currently experiencing a period where science and technology can propel humanity forward in a manner not witnessed in a long time. He added that we are now in a position that we have not been in since the second industrial revolution, predicting that the widespread arrival of AI will bring about innovation in transportation, energy, medicine, and communication.

In contrast to some prominent tech leaders who have ominously predicted that AI will surpass human intelligence in a short time, there exists a significant divide among techno-optimists and doomsdayers in Silicon Valley.

Diana says the doomsday scenarios distract and undermine the technology's potential.

"Diana stated, "I believe that the discussion about conscious robots and artificial superintelligence often hinders our focus." She added, "If AI is handled appropriately, we can shift our attention to the many benefits that AI can bring to humanity.""

In the 1970s, Hollywood's shift towards ominous themes reflected the country's mood and contributed to the negative view of AI in popular imagination. However, before that, technology was viewed as a potential utopia.

Bernard Marr, a futurist and author, shared a more optimistic perspective, despite not being involved in the Tata survey.

Marr stated that he sees the incredible advantages of AI and experiences them daily. He believes that AI is the most potent technology humans have ever had access to, and its power can be utilized to overcome disparities and obstacles in health, education, and climate change.

"AI is not yet sentient, but it excels at tasks previously only humans could do. As humans, we should utilize our unique abilities rather than wasting our time on mundane tasks. AI will enable us to focus on our exceptional human powers," Marr stated.

He perceives AI's function shifting from being a sleepless sentinel to a perpetual copilot, alleviating concerns about robots taking over the world.

""AI will improve doctor-patient relationships by handling insurance and regulatory paperwork, allowing doctors to focus more on patient care," Marr stated, emphasizing that AI is not a threat but rather a tool to enhance human capabilities."

To prevent abuse of AI's power, regulations, laws, and safeguards are necessary.

Marr pointed out that recent EU legislation is already showing signs of happening.

What is the reason for the widespread fear of sentient AI? Although sentient AI can be benevolent or values-neutral, it is not the kind of AI that people usually imagine.

Kelsey Latimer, a Florida-based clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorder, stated that the reason people fear AI is rooted in our very humanity, as we are naturally programmed to anticipate the worst.

According to Latimer, from an evolutionary perspective, we are predisposed to perceive negative and threatening situations to detect potential predators and react accordingly. However, if we interpret something as unfavorable but it ultimately proves to be positive, no harm is done. On the other hand, if we perceive something as positive but it turns out to be negative, we may need to prepare for the consequences.

Positive consequences are predicted by futurists such as Diana and Marr regarding the impact of AI.

Diana stated that AI will reveal our human passions and creativity.