Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has highlighted unsettling responses from ChatGPT regarding methods to undermine America's youth, drawing parallels to current technological impacts. In an article for The Free Press titled "The Devil’s Plan to Ruin the Next Generation," Haidt revealed the AI's suggestions, which he found "all too familiar" when considering the challenges faced by today's young people. The insights stem from a viral trend where users asked ChatGPT how it would destroy the next generation without their knowledge.
According to Haidt, ChatGPT's responses were profound, including statements such as, "I wouldn’t come with violence. I’d come with convenience," and "I’d keep them busy. Always distracted." Haidt, who has researched youth development since 2015, noted that these AI-generated strategies closely mirror the effects technology, particularly smartphones, appears to be having on children today. He concluded that if the devil sought to ruin a generation, "he could just give them all smartphones."
Haidt, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, is a prominent voice in the discourse surrounding technology and adolescent well-being. His bestselling book, "The Anxious Generation," articulates how smartphones and social media are disrupting sleep, attention, and mental health among young people. He argues that these technologies contribute to an epidemic of mental illness by undermining friendships and fostering isolation.
The psychologist's views have fueled an ongoing debate about the impact of digital platforms on Gen Z and Gen Alpha. While some critics label his rhetoric as alarmist and question the direct causal link between social media and mental health, Haidt's work has inspired movements like school smartphone bans across nearly half of U.S. states. He also advises parents to limit children's engagement with chatbots, suggesting no more than 30 rounds of conversation to prevent potentially harmful extended interactions.
Haidt's work with The Free Press and his broader research aim to understand how technology reshapes society and to offer practical guidance for a healthier digital future. He continues to advocate for a re-evaluation of childhood in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming attention and fostering genuine human connection.