We avoid catastrophe by thinking about new developments and how they can go wrong (and right).

Catastrophizing can be unhealthy and unproductive, but for those among us that can affect the future of our societies (locally or higher), the results of that catastophizing helps guide legislation and "Overton window" morality.

... I'm reminded of the tales of various Sci-Fi authors that have been commissioned to write on the effects of hypothetical technologies on society and mankind (e.g. space elevators, mars exploration)...

That said, when the general public worries about hypotheticals they can do nothing about, there's nothing but downsides. So. There's a balance.