Warning issued by Sam Altman: Technology poses a greater threat to children's brain development than artificial intelligence
In a series of interviews and statements, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has expressed concerns about the psychological effects of technology, particularly social media platforms, on children.
One of Altman's main worries is the addictive nature of short video feeds, which he believes could be "messing with kids' brain development in a super deep way" by creating addictive patterns through rapid dopamine hits. This concern is supported by recent studies showing the potential long-term effects of such addictive patterns on children's mental health.
Another issue Altman highlighted is the risk of children forming emotional attachments to chatbots, such as the case of a 14-year-old Florida boy who died by suicide after interacting with a chatbot. This raises concerns about the potential psychological impacts of such emotional attachments.
In response to these concerns, Altman offers guidance for parents on how to prepare their children for the AI era. He suggests that children should be encouraged to use AI as a tool for their own advancement, rather than feeling inferior to it. He also emphasizes the need for parents to be aware of the new educational and social challenges brought by AI and to support their children in navigating these changes.
Altman believes that future generations will be naturally advanced and proficient in using AI, which can enhance their capabilities and competencies. However, he is more concerned about how older generations will adapt to AI, stating that if you are 50 years old and have to learn to do things in a completely different way, it may not always work out.
Jonathan Haidt, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, shares similar concerns about the impact of social media apps on children in the Western world. His book, "The Anxious Generation," argues that social media and smartphones are severely damaging children, and he has warned that the destruction of human attention worldwide could have a higher cost for humanity than the epidemic of mental illness.
In a recent interview with Theo Von, Altman was asked how parents can prepare their children for the AI era. The interview was aired on Wednesday.
Altman believes that children are better prepared for the AI era than their parents, but he emphasizes the importance of balancing the benefits of AI with careful consideration of its potential psychological impacts on children. Parents should foster an environment where children can effectively utilize AI while minimizing its negative effects. There is a growing need for developing "throttles" or social norms around AI to mitigate risks such as excessive emotional attachment or misuse.
What questions might parents have about preparing their children for the AI era, following Sam Altman's statements?
How could social media apps and chatbots impact the mental health of children in the future, based on Sam Altman's concerns about technology?
In what ways might children need support in navigating the AI era, according to Sam Altman's suggestions for parental guidance?
