What we know, because Allah tells us of it, is that when the trumpet is sounded, all living creatures on and in the earth will be stunned and become lifeless. When the trumpet is sounded again, they will be raised back to life. According to the Qur'an, man is made the master of the earth. Human beings form a species different from animals, jinn and angels. While Satans are disobedient to Allah, angels do His bidding without any hesitation.
Man can choose to do either.
Hence, he is accountable for what he chooses to do. He has been placed in charge of the earth and required to build it. By building the earth, we mean building a happy human life, following Allah's guidance as explained by the prophets and messengers sent by Allah. I realize that my answer may not satisfy your non-Muslim friends. However, in these matters, we cannot go beyond what Allah has chosen to reveal to us.