Sam Altman Shares Concerns About AI Use for Children
In a recent conversation with podcaster Laurie Segal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman opened up about his worries regarding AI, mentioning that he’s hesitant for his young son to engage with such technology at this stage in his life. Altman participated in an episode of “Mostly Human,” where Segal highlighted the challenges of raising children amid rapidly evolving tech, even referring to it as “probably the most dangerous thing” she could think of.
“We are both raising young boys,” Segal commented, addressing how integral technology will be in her son Charlie’s life. Altman responded, saying, “I hope they don’t use it yet,” since his son was born just last year via a surrogate.
Concerns About AI Relationships
Segal pressed Altman on when he might allow his son access to AI. Altman replied, “That won’t be the case for a while,” as he reflected on the responsibility he feels about ensuring AI doesn’t have a detrimental impact on the world. He explained that many people approach him with questions like, “Do you feel more responsible about how we don’t destroy the world with AI?” As a father, he emphasized that preventing any catastrophic outcomes remains his top priority.
OpenAI has recently launched ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot that has significantly contributed to the ongoing AI evolution we’re seeing this decade. Its rise has raised questions around ethics and possible risks tied to its widespread use.
Altman also mentioned how he frequently thinks about what the future holds for his children, to the point that he used to write letters to them every night. He hoped they would read these letters when they’re older to grasp his thoughts and perspectives better, although he eventually stopped this practice on his lawyer’s advice.
Additionally, Altman reflected on another aspect of technology that gives him pause as a parent. “What’s changed a lot is how I feel about things like algorithmic feeds and iPads in the hands of young children,” he stated. He expressed a strong concern regarding children’s dependency on devices, mentioning how deeply he feels about the issue.
“I love that my son will grow up in a world where computers are smarter than me,” he admitted, “but I still want him to play in the dirt right now.”
