Avi Loeb argues that we should keep an open mind and not dismiss the possibility of alien technology just because it feels unlikely. He criticizes "groupthink" in the scientific community and urges more willingness to consider bold ideas. Similarly, Jill Tarter emphasizes that SETI is not about chasing UFOs, that it is a rigorous scientific effort to detect signals from intelligent civilizations using data, technology, and reason.
However, after watching these two interviews, I was left wondering about questions beyond the question of if alien life exists. Shouldn’t we be considering larger questions about why we would want to find alien life? If humanity were to discover intelligent extraterrestrial life, the control over the narrative—who interprets it, who shares it, and who benefits from it—would become one of the most contested and impactful struggles in human history. Such a discovery could shift global power dynamics almost overnight. Economically, nations or private entities that first access alien technology or communication could gain massive influence, potentially widening the gap between global powers and less-developed countries. Like the space race or the digital revolution, whoever controls the knowledge controls the future. But in this case, the stakes could be higher—possibly redefining energy, communication, or even physical laws. This could lead to competition over alien artifacts or data, with wealthy nations or corporations attempting to monopolize access while others demand transparency and global cooperation.