Marc Andreessen uses ChatGPT to prepare his son for the AI future.

Marc Andreessen uses ChatGPT to prepare his son for the AI future.

The Future of A.I. and Its Impact on the Next Generation

A.I. Future

In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Marc Andreessen, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, shared an intriguing story about introducing artificial intelligence (A.I.) to his son. Andreessen set up his son with ChatGPT on his laptop, allowing him to explore and learn about various topics. However, what surprised Andreessen the most was his son’s nonchalant response. When asked about his thoughts on using A.I., his son simply shrugged and said, “Well, it’s a computer. Of course, you ask it questions and it gives you answers. What else is it for?”

This interaction between Andreessen and his son highlights the remarkable shift in perspective that the younger generation has towards A.I. technology. While some may still see A.I. as a novelty or something to be feared, children growing up in a world where A.I. is commonplace view it as a natural and integral part of their lives. To them, A.I. is an ally—a tool that provides them with instant access to information and the ability to learn and grow.

The capabilities of A.I. are truly fascinating. With platforms like ChatGPT, users can request explanations about various subjects, tailored to different levels of understanding. Andreessen demonstrated this by asking ChatGPT to explain complex concepts like quantum mechanics as if he were a 3-year-old. The A.I. software was able to simplify these ideas in a way that an actual toddler could comprehend. Andreessen’s son took this in stride, understanding that this level of interaction with A.I. was nothing out of the ordinary.

Andreessen muses on the profound implications of this generation growing up alongside A.I. His son, for example, will develop a unique relationship with the technology. By the time he reaches adulthood, A.I. will have had 12 years of experience with him. It will know his strengths and weaknesses, understand how he learns, and support him in achieving his goals. In essence, A.I. will become a lifelong ally and partner, dedicated to maximizing his happiness, success, and personal growth.

Contrary to the doomsday scenarios portrayed by some skeptics, Andreessen sees A.I. as a force for good. In a manifesto penned last month, he outlined his belief that A.I. will not destroy humanity but rather enhance our lives in profound ways. He even advises young people to leverage the power of A.I. to become “hyperproductive people,” as the technology enables us to learn and produce at unprecedented rates.

In the not-too-distant future, we can expect a world where A.I. is seamlessly integrated into various aspects of our everyday existence. For the younger generation, this will be their reality. They will have grown up with A.I. as a constant presence—a trusted companion that understands their unique needs and helps them navigate the complexities of life. So, while some may still hold reservations or concerns about the rise of A.I., Andreessen’s son’s response serves as a reminder of the inevitable shift towards a future where A.I. is simply the norm.