Artificial Intelligence is receiving enormous attention, with differing opinions on the utility and dangers of the new technology. What is your level of concern/optimism for AI to be harmful/helpful in your area of expertise?

Answer Explanations

• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-152420
  Optimise and quantify my field will benefit patients health
• No Opinion

  user-1163
  I think it is too early to forecast any beneficial or harmful effects.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-398197
  Opportunities exist for bad actors or non-experts to introduce false conclusions / interpretation, or even fake data
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-340576
  I want to be optimistic, I can see many advantages, but I also have many concerns about the over-simplification of education in the area.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-907622
  It provides significant assistance in nearly every aspect of my professional endeavors. Although you are concerned, mainly due to the unknown and uncertainties attached, so far it's leading in more positive directions than not. However, there is always room for improvement.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-97268
  Working almost 10 years in the field.
  
  
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-377267
  AI has proven to be very helpful in facilitating data anylysis and interpretation. All results have to be scrutinized by experts, however, since they may suffer from false assumptions AI has been fed with (problem of certainty and correctness of input)! There is no doubt, that AI has the potential to become a powerful tool also in the hands of criminals and  authoritarian regimes.
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-562726
  AI can more and more summarize information, in an automated way and present it to you just the way you would like to approach your understanding. Be it reading studies, differential diagnosis and fields outside your expertise, within a much shorter time the necessary information can be gathered to properly inform ones self or patients. Automated organisational systems will soon prepare all that stands between the direct communication between patient and physician, be it the support scheduling appointments, gathering of information, everyday assistance in daily medical matters and so on. 
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-371703
  I have been using AI (CHAT GPT and related Scholar GPT and sci Space) mainly for formulating and testing detailed methodologies or protocols for producing and chemically recombinant proteins. I have found for the most part when utilizing the technology for literature searches it is very helpful and thorough.  However, when needing to conduct extensive (and some relatively simple) mathematical calculations, it is often (alarmingly so) inaccurate in the final answers given. In general, the "harm" that might be caused by AI (speaking from an experimental design perspective) reliance on its precision may very well lead to outcomes that are far from predicted results. 
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-234128
  Makes it too easy to take shortcuts without understanding; stifles creativity
  Absolutely not a replacement for individualized human contact for healthcare purposes.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-869043
  It is very good approach in understanding complexities of molecular mechanism of therapeutics into simpler and clarity data
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-952727
  I am very excited of the endless possibilities that AI is offering right now. Worry about the impact on the mental health of people marginalized from it.
  It is needed appropriate legislation for privacy protection and more diffusion of ways everyone can use it can be used by regular people in their everyday activities. 
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-217222
  The concern is that scientists will not utilize  scientific method in the approach to scientific questions.   Relying on AI to do the evaluations and make the conclusions.  AI can help assemble the information but trained and experienced scientists should be the driver for making decisions.
• Very concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-634909
  AI is a tool that will be misused by many folks. Leaders and decision makers will become lazy, and over rely on AI to drive decision making. Further dumbing down of humanity.  Generally, there will become less and less training on disciplines that measure reality and create real experiences, and these disciplines will be less valued. Who will synthesize and discover new medicines without experienced hands that these processes involve?
• No Opinion

  user-194025
  Every endeavor undertaken by humanity, when measured against the scale of geological time, appears fundamentally destructive. Nature required millennia to reach its present, delicate equilibrium. Yet, we, with our tiny, ephemeral lifespans and fleeting comprehension, arrogantly believe we can supersede this vast evolutionary process. This is not just wishful thinking; it is a profound delusion.
  
  

  The core of the problem is a destructive paradox: humanity excels at manufacturing problems and then dedicating its resources to inventing solutions.
  
  

  We cut down forests to build houses, then engineer synthetic wood to save the remaining trees. We burn fossil fuels to power industry, then develop complex technologies to sequester the resulting carbon. In this vicious circle, the solution of today inevitably becomes the crisis of tomorrow. We remain trapped, perpetually creating and reacting, ensuring that our collective footprint remains, by its very nature, antagonistic to the slow, patient work of the natural world.
  
  
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-228501
  Greatly expanding our capacity to handle big data, but easy to misuse and with potential to become independently powerful
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-701806
  AI is hyped by investors meaning that loads of cash are going to some many ideas and (potential) models that it is virtually impossible to make relevant quality checks by experts. As AI models tend to ‘hallucinate’ this might lead to results that are considered to be scientific/factual but without the rigour of science, we will never know if the AI model predicted correctly…
  Of course there is a huge benefit of AI when used for administrative purposes (collecting, sorting and reporting of data) but for interpretation of data we need the right guardrails that are difficult to build during a hype…
• Very concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-887652
  AI in its current LLM format has no capacity for innovation, and is too “hallucination” prone to produce even dependable literature reviews. I have also found it easy to prompt current AIs to contradict themselves, suggesting a very literal “lack of judgment.” There is no “I” in AI.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-284488
  It’s clear that AI consumes a lot of resources and already has led to job losses in an already fragile economy.  It can be a labor-saving measure, but many of the current uses seem to be a waste of resources.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-540700
  AI is already improving research in my area. At the same time it also already damaging if not critically used
• Very concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-788615
  Deep fake material can be produced, thus need another program to detect. so how long we are going to do this job. one after another-------ongoing process
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-266099
  I am optimistic that AI will play a key role in solving many human challenges. Its ability to process large amounts of data and distill complex information into clear decisions makes it a powerful tool. With continuous advancements in AI research, I expect even greater benefits in the future. However, I am concerned about the potential misuse of AI to manipulate or control information.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-802001
  Humans tend toward the worst
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-568782
  Regarding my research perspectives, I think that AI is an helpful tool provided the requirements related to its use, such as: objectivity, transparency and integrity.
  AI can play an important role in pluralistic medicine: enhancing diagnostics, personalizing treatment and detecting outbreaks early.
  For a sustainable health, AI can be used in convergence with approaches, including multidisciplinarity, Multisectoriality, experience and best practices, and precision medicine.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-722545
  When used appropriately, AI can assist with data visualization, clarity of language, and proper application of statistical approaches. However, one must be cautious to not overly rely upon AI as a tool and be knowledgeable of the limitations of AI.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-510547
  AI-tools, when used smartly, help with my industry consulting business, however still aren't very reliable and inconsistent. 
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-845512
   I hold an optimistic view because Artificial Intelligence, when applied ethically and with verifiable transparency, strengthens both research and technological innovation across areas such as machine learning, environmental engineering, and digital education. In my experience, AI enhances analytical precision, mitigates interpretive bias, and extends the reach of empirical evidence in contexts with limited human or material resources. Nevertheless, this potential depends on robust ethical frameworks, clear regulatory oversight, and algorithmic traceability mechanisms. When these safeguards are in place, AI not only improves scientific processes but also contributes tangibly to sustainability and evidence-based decision-making. 
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-678105
  Helps access information quickly that can then be verified without use of AI
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-268617
  In my field of computational social science, AI will speed up research and lower barriers.  AI help makes learning to code in R and Python proceed faster.  LLM prompting can substitute for brittle and hard to manage machine learning procedures while providing more explainability at the same time.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-853228
  Becouse help phisician
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-559116
  I believe that artificial intelligence will help me to some extent in my research and academic work in general. It will allow me to save time in searching for sources, handling technical modifications, correspondence, etc.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-550886
  I have had no negative reactions with AI
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-471070
  It can gather data and retrieve data from obscure sources faster than I can. It can offer objective suggestions for weighting strength of the data and assign quality ratings to the data.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-433580
  Better understanding 
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-25272
  AI has filled the gap between methodological development and it's applications in real life domain, which was very difficult task, specifically for statisticians.
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-584115
   I am 'very optimistic' because AI is solving our two biggest bottlenecks: data complexity and discovery speed. In my field, it is rapidly moving from a theoretical tool to a practical lab partner. It is becoming indispensable for analyzing metagenomic data to understand the gut microbiome and for modeling the optimization of novel, sustainable bioproduction systems. 
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-439856
  AI applications have already shown strong promise in my area. It is already a helpful tool. 
• No Opinion

  user-773118
  In my personal experiences, AI only tells what's been known and makes mistakes when dealing with real innovations or more delicate details. It seems real innovations depand on human intelligence instead of AI. 
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-328598
  interpretation of imaging, quick answer to preferred treatment options from published trial outcomes 
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-72485
  When working in a multidisciplinary context, AI can help researchers to explore new fileds by improving the time needed to learn the basics. In my particular experience, AI can really help about programming.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-13957
  Accessibility of Knowledge:
  AI makes high-quality information and education more widely available. It can tutor, translate, and explain complex ideas in ways tailored to different learning styles.
  
  

  Efficiency and Productivity:
  AI can automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks (like data analysis, summarizing research, or drafting code), freeing people to focus on creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking.
  
  

  Problem-Solving Support:
  In science, medicine, and engineering, AI can help identify patterns or solutions humans might miss, accelerating innovation and discovery.
  
  

  Inclusivity and Communication:
  Tools like speech recognition, text generation, and translation can empower people with disabilities or language barriers, improving equity in education and employment.
  
  
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-497412
  AI can help hasten some tasks, especially repetitive ones. However, it will never replace humans.
  
  
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-488995
  It is a great opportunity to do things in less time, better and with minimal effort. It's great!  The problem is not knowing how to use it properly. 
• Very concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-935064
  The current algorithms are self reinforcing similar to confirmation bias.  They also just make stuff up and are not very good at filtering erroneous information from the output.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-161126
  It is useful in handling and processing/sorting huge amounts of data however it does make mistakes in labeling and identifications which is very concerning.  The use of it interfacing with the general public is troubling because many take the answers AI gives to questions as facts. In research this happens as well with students who have little training. AI makes errors, this is very concerning. In business thousands for human workers are being laid off and AI is replacing  humans who have been trained to interface with customers. AI is not ready to replace human interactions and human problem solving ability. It has only a superficial ability to respond to customer needs. 
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-495394
   Artificial intelligence represents a major innovation in healthcare and scientific research. However, to fully harness its benefits without compromising the integrity of healthcare, its implementation must be carefully monitored and validated. AI should primarily be employed as a tool to support planning and decision-making, rather than to generate or predict outcomes that lack real-world validation or practical application. 
• Very concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-480186
  Although it may facilitate many tasks, make them really or seemingly easier (certainly much quicker), it already has led to an enormous spread of misinformation and disinformation and, as a consequence, to debilitation of human capabilities of rational judgement and critical thinking. One must ask if we really need a machinery to supersede something which makes human beings human.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-105716
  AI can be a double weapon 
  If we use it wisely in certain tasks to improve the quality of our work output e.g.in the scientific research to improve language or for editing purposes. However if we use it to distort and steal other’s work hence it will be disasterous.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-180243
  until the many wrong data and information in web can be dealt with by AI, reliable outcomes will not be possible
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-123942
  It will be a boon for the research in climate change.
• Very concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-615147
  The AI is very interresting because actually we use it in scientific research area and most step we can't do not use it. It accelerate very well our speed of progression on this area. Of course some negatif point erased when we use new emerging tools in our dail activities but with time, like as happen when we experienced the first time the web and other social tools such facebook and many other, such negatives wil be arranged and thing will be used more confient and secure manner. I'm sûre that AI is more benefic than negative, just waiting for it.
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-321125
  In medical field where information is very diverse and very difficult to keep in track with the new development, ai seems to make that thing easier, being just a prompt away. 
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-325101
  I can quickly find information on many topics related to my field.
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-491178
  My understanding is that if carefully implemented benefits outweigh the harm. I personally had a training at the postgrad level on AI(data science) where it honed my understanding of innovation/technology, of AI in general for my routine activities. 
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-293962
  I have been using it and it is a huge help in structuring outlines and summaries, tracking down references, etc.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-825962
   The students are not learning basic things, relying on the internet, ignorance and simplicity are growing
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-492609
  AI will assist doctors in complex decision as well as guidelines
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-983410
  This isn't artificial intelligence. It's just ML/pattern recognition on steroids. I'm worried it's going to make people stupider as they rely on it. It has a problem with authoritiative referencing which needs to get better.
• Very concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-259567
  it'll be a fade to come and go.
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-542532
   I am highly optimistic about the role of artificial intelligence in my area of expertise. Rather than being a source of concern, I see AI as a transformative tool that will enhance research productivity, improve diagnostic accuracy, accelerate data analysis, and support evidence-based decision-making. When used responsibly and ethically, AI has the potential to significantly advance molecular biology, biotechnology, and medical research, ultimately improving both scientific outcomes and societal well-being. 
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-910833
  I’m optimistic about AI’s potential to improve efficiency, support better decision-making, and expand what’s possible in my field. At the same time, I have moderate concerns about issues like bias, misinformation, and misuse. Overall, I believe AI will be more helpful than harmful if developed and governed responsibly
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-274126
  AI is powerful, and regulation must play a pivotal role in its oversight.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-196408
  With technology developing far faster than policy, the impacts of AI will be only whatever is profitable or useful, to the detriment of many
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-521272
   Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-616368
  I am worried about people becoming lazy and relying completely on AI, instead of thinking by themselves or at least giving a thought on the results, summaries, etc. produced by AI tools
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-414395
  AI is increasingly allowing geoscientists to analyze complex, large datasets without having to also become computer scientists. This is driving a push toward collecting more and better data about the environment than can then be assimilated into models or synthesized into knowledge about Earth processes. 
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-417392
  I work for pharmacovigilance and some repetitive processes may be optimized using AI. 
• Somewhat optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-225825
  The AI is merely a simulation of the available database and attempt to draw, picturize, regress, approximately as per instructions, still all right, as AI driven resultant output could vaguely hunt somewhere near a targeted point. However, I tried to simulate something new version of the survismeter and friccohesity chemistry by giving relevant command but it could not give the expected outcome.   
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-220337
  I am concerned that it might be more harmful in some situations if the information that is obtained through AI is not properly verified using other channels. Also, having access to this tool might encourage cheating or slacking amongst young students or researchers.
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-60902
  I am optimistic that the use of artificial intelligence within ethical guidelines will accelerate many stages and solve problems.
• Somewhat concerned it will do more harm then good

  user-305063
  Data may be inaccurate; entry level jobs may go away
• Very optimistic it will help improve my area of expertise

  user-178012
  AI as a decision-support tool, not a replacement for scientific judgment
  In pharmaceutical chemistry, formulation science, and preclinical evaluation, AI is most valuable for data integration, pattern recognition, and hypothesis generation, while experimental validation and safety interpretation must remain human-driven.
  
  

  Acceleration of compositional, formulation, and safety assessments
  AI can efficiently analyze complex compositional datasets, predict physicochemical and ADMET properties, and prioritize functional ingredients or formulations, helping to reduce time and resource burdens in early-stage research.
  
  

  Caution regarding over-reliance and data quality limitations
  AI models are only as reliable as the data used to train them; in areas involving infant nutrition, growth, and developmental safety, incomplete datasets and biological variability require careful expert oversight.
  
  

  Opportunity to improve evidence synthesis and consensus building
  When used transparently, AI can support systematic reviews, gap identification, and comparative analyses, strengthening evidence-based discussions rather than replacing expert consensus processes.