Naïve, idealistic hopes had been shattered. Scholars found that, contrary to the happy wishes of most people, it was not a good idea for the human race as a whole to make contact with extraterrestrials.
As we keep searching for extra-terrestrial life (SETI, Voyager etc.), we need to be conscious of the potential adverse impact of establishing contact with an alien civilization that is technologically superior to us and doesn't identify with the morals we take for granted.
