A Survey of the Potential Long-term Impacts of AI

AI could fundamentally reshape how science is conducted: The paper identifies science as a key domain where AI's long-term impacts deserve attention, suggesting that AI-driven research methods may alter the pace, nature, and accessibility of scientific discovery in ways we're only beginning to understand.

Power dynamics and concentration of influence are a critical concern: The survey highlights "power" as a major long-term impact area, indicating that AI development could significantly shift who holds influence in society—a concern that extends beyond technology to governance and institutional structures.

Our shared ability to agree on facts and truth is at risk: By identifying "epistemics" as a priority impact area, the paper flags concerns about how AI could affect how we collectively determine what is true and trustworthy, with implications for informed decision-making across society.

AI may alter human cooperation and coordination: The survey identifies cooperation as a potential long-term impact domain, suggesting that AI systems could change how humans work together—either by enhancing collaboration or by creating new barriers to collective action.

We lack clear answers about whether impacts will be positive or negative: The paper emphasizes fundamental uncertainty about AI's ultimate effects on humanity, underscoring that responsible AI development requires ongoing research into these five impact areas rather than assumptions that outcomes are predetermined.