Interesting and profound question you asked. I think the chances of life existing beyond of what we currently know are pretty high, given the vast amount of space surrounding us and our small and almost insignificant existence. Why would there be just our planet? Among trillions & trillions of other planets, just one can support life?
And I think it is a good idea to try to contact them. We could learn so many new things, a totally different way of living to what we're used to.
I think there's 'bad media' surrounding the subject. Most of the discussions covering the subject refer to either 'evil' aliens, or to wars and violence. It's like we, as humans, are trying to search for these wars and fights. So embarrassing in my opinion. We never start with the idea for the things to turn out well.. this negativism is killing us.

Cheers!