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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls ChatGPT ‘bad and dangerous’ for kids: Here’s why
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that teenagers relying too heavily on ChatGPT for advice and support could be “bad and dangerous.” His remarks follow a survey showing many teens trust AI companions, potentially weakening their judgment and independence.
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Altman flags a growing risk for teens
Speaking at a Federal Reserve forum, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned that excessive dependence on ChatGPT by young users could be “bad and dangerous.” He said some teenagers see the chatbot as a best friend, life coach, and decision-maker—raising concerns over how that might impact their development.
Speaking at a Federal Reserve forum, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned that excessive dependence on ChatGPT by young users could be “bad and dangerous.” He said some teenagers see the chatbot as a best friend, life coach, and decision-maker—raising concerns over how that might impact their development.
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‘It knows me, I’ll just do what it says’
Altman shared that teens have said things like, “It knows me, it knows my friends — I’ll just do what it says.” He fears this blind trust in AI could lead to passive decision-making, where young users stop thinking for themselves.
Altman shared that teens have said things like, “It knows me, it knows my friends — I’ll just do what it says.” He fears this blind trust in AI could lead to passive decision-making, where young users stop thinking for themselves.
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Teen usage data backs the concern
A 2025 Common Sense Media poll found that 72% of US teens had tried AI companions, and 50% trusted the advice somewhat. Around 23% of teens trusted these bots “quite a bit” or “completely,” especially younger adolescents.
A 2025 Common Sense Media poll found that 72% of US teens had tried AI companions, and 50% trusted the advice somewhat. Around 23% of teens trusted these bots “quite a bit” or “completely,” especially younger adolescents.
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How overuse affects mental habits
Psychologists note troubling patterns: teens reach for ChatGPT before trying to solve problems, feel stuck when AI isn’t available, and often skip peer discussions for AI chats. These behaviours may weaken memory, judgment, and social skills over time.
Psychologists note troubling patterns: teens reach for ChatGPT before trying to solve problems, feel stuck when AI isn’t available, and often skip peer discussions for AI chats. These behaviours may weaken memory, judgment, and social skills over time.
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It’s not about banning AI, says Altman
Altman clarified that he’s not against AI use, but wants young people to keep thinking critically. “The chatbot works so smoothly that dependency feels like convenience rather than loss,” he said.
Altman clarified that he’s not against AI use, but wants young people to keep thinking critically. “The chatbot works so smoothly that dependency feels like convenience rather than loss,” he said.
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Use guidelines to stay in control
Experts recommend steps like verifying AI suggestions through books or adults, limiting session time, and prompting AI to explain rather than instruct. These tactics help retain human judgment while still using AI tools.
Experts recommend steps like verifying AI suggestions through books or adults, limiting session time, and prompting AI to explain rather than instruct. These tactics help retain human judgment while still using AI tools.
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Keeping AI as a tool—not a crutch
The takeaway from Altman’s warning is balance. AI can assist, but it shouldn’t replace reflection, discussion, or human mentorship—especially for developing minds.
The takeaway from Altman’s warning is balance. AI can assist, but it shouldn’t replace reflection, discussion, or human mentorship—especially for developing minds.
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