His view reflects a growing unease among tech leaders about the psychological effects of digital platforms. These apps often promote rapid scrolling and instant reward systems, which can rewire behavior patterns over time.
Children Expected to Handle AI Naturally
Altman believes most children will grow up with a basic understanding of artificial intelligence. He said they are likely to engage with it as another everyday tool, in the same way past generations adjusted to computers or mobile phones. According to him, adaptation is easier when technology is part of a child’s environment from the start. He expects them to use AI without fear or hesitation.
By contrast, he sees adults struggling to make similar shifts. Many older users may not find it easy to reshape their habits or career paths. That gap, he suggested, will widen as more systems rely on machine learning and automation.
Fewer Benefits Seen in Traditional Schooling
In his view, schools may not be equipped to keep up with the fast pace of change. He expects education to move away from its current model. Students of the future could rely more on tools powered by AI than on static classroom instruction. In his words, the usefulness of traditional learning environments is already coming into question.
Children, he explained, may learn faster by interacting with systems that adapt to their needs. The idea of college, in particular, may not hold the same weight it once did. He sees it becoming less central to how people gain skills or enter careers.
Dependency on Digital Agents Is Growing
Another concern Altman raised involves the increasing use of AI for emotional support. He mentioned that many people now use chat-based tools to talk through problems or seek guidance. In some cases, these systems function as companions. While useful in specific ways, he worries they might also reduce the need for real-world human interaction. He described this trend as something to watch closely.
He compared this shift to what happened with social media. In both cases, users often spend long periods online, sometimes forming habits that are hard to reverse. He believes AI may eventually create similar challenges around emotional reliance.
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Privacy Risks and Legal Gaps Remain Unresolved
As AI becomes more involved in personal matters, questions have surfaced around privacy and regulation. Altman pointed out that current legal protections do not cover conversations people have with AI tools. While therapists or doctors operate under confidentiality rules, AI companies are not yet held to the same standards.
He called attention to this legal grey area, explaining that conversations with AI models could be exposed in ways people don’t expect. He said these systems are often treated like software tools, even when users treat them like confidants. That mismatch, he added, could become a problem if lawmakers fail to respond quickly.
Jobs Will Shift, but Creativity May Still Drive Demand
When asked about future employment, Altman acknowledged that some roles may disappear entirely. However, he emphasized that people tend to create new kinds of work when old ones become obsolete. He cited historical shifts, such as the industrial revolution, to show how society tends to adapt over time.
He also expressed optimism that many people will continue to find value in creative roles. In his opinion, even as AI takes on more tasks, the demand for human input will likely remain. Whether through startups, storytelling, or community leadership, he believes people will continue to seek ways to contribute.
A World in Transition, Not in Decline
Altman spoke about the broader impact AI might have on social structures. He raised the idea of distributing access to AI in ways that benefit everyone, not just a few corporations. He mentioned possible economic models that would allow individuals to share in the output of these systems. In such scenarios, people would not be passive users. They would have a stake in what AI produces and how it's used.
He also pushed back against the idea that people would lose purpose entirely. In his view, the desire to help others, to invent, and to improve life will continue, even if the tools change. As the technology grows, he expects the focus to shift from basic survival to more expressive and meaningful work.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
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