INTERVIEW - Stephen Hawking on why we should be cautious about contacting alien lifeforms at Breakthrough Initiatives

The video discusses the potential dangers of making contact with alien civilizations. It highlights historical examples where encounters between humans and less intelligent organisms have been detrimental to the latter. The video also examines the negative outcomes when civilizations with advanced technology meet those with primitive technology. It warns that an alien civilization could be far more advanced and powerful, potentially viewing humans as insignificant.

Why does the speaker suggest that contacting aliens might be a bad idea?

• Because it might be dangerous

• Because it could lead to technological advancements

• Because it would be a waste of time

• Because aliens might be friendly

What does the speaker say about human encounters with less intelligent organisms?

• They have always been beneficial

• They have often been disastrous for the less intelligent organisms

• They have no historical significance

• They have been peaceful

How have encounters between civilizations with different levels of technology typically gone?

• They have been ignored by history

• They have led to equal exchanges

• They have gone badly for the less advanced civilization

• They have been mutually beneficial

What is a potential risk of contacting a civilization billions of years ahead of us?

• They might not see us as valuable

• They might help us advance

• They might become our allies

• They might ignore us completely

How might an advanced civilization perceive us, according to the speaker?

• As equals

• As potential allies

• As insignificant as bacteria

• As a threat