Potential harms from AI-powered social media
Musk highlighted the dangers posed by sophisticated artificial intelligence systems that are programmed to escalate user engagement by increasing dopamine levels. “I would urge parents to limit the amount of social media their children can exploit because it is programmed by artificial intelligence to maximize dopamine levels,” Musk said. He noted that children are particularly susceptible to the operation of these algorithms, which may significantly affect their mental health.
Concerns about excessive exploit of social media
Musk’s concerns stem from the competitive nature of social media companies that aim to capture users’ attention with artificial intelligence-based content. Musk argued that this competition could have harmful consequences for juvenile minds. He shared a video of his VivaTech session on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reiterating his position that excessive exploit of social media is harmful to children.
Musk’s personal experiences
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Musk admitted that he previously did not limit his children’s exploit of social media, which he now considers a mistake. “They were programmed by Reddit and YouTube. I would limit social media a little more than in the past and watch what they watch,” he said during a previous appearance at the World Government Summit in Dubai.
Musk was also critical of Facebook and Instagram Meta, accusing these platforms of facilitating child exploitation. Instead, he claims that his X platform is actively working to eliminate child abuse content despite the controversy and criticism it has faced.
Musk’s perspective on artificial intelligence
Following Musk’s comments, several X users supported his point about limiting children’s screen time. One user noted: “Parents need to limit screen time. Children still need to go outside and play. Read books. It’s really gloomy how much social media has impacted children’s lives.” Another user shared their strict approach: “My children are banned from using social media until they are 18. They only have flip phones. If they want to meet friends, they can walk home like we did in the 80s and 90s.”
In addition to concerns about social media, Musk also expressed broader concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Speaking at the same technology event in Paris, he predicted that artificial intelligence could eventually make all jobs obsolete, raising questions about the future of human purpose and fulfillment in a world dominated by artificial intelligence.
Musk’s vision for the future using artificial intelligence
Musk reiterated his concerns about artificial intelligence, calling it his “biggest fear.” He referred to Ian Banks’ “Culture Book Series,” which depicts a society ruled by advanced artificial intelligence, as a realistic picture of the future. “The question will really be about meaning – can computers and robots do everything better than you, does your life have meaning?” he wondered, suggesting that humans may need to find up-to-date ways to define their roles and goals in an AI-powered world.
Experts generally agree that jobs that require powerful emotional intelligence and human interaction, such as those in mental health, original fields and education, are less likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, Musk’s warnings underscore the urgent need to address the ethical and social implications of rapidly evolving technologies.
