Vitalik Buterin: AI to Shape Next Generation's Smartest Minds

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin predicts that AI chatbots will help shape some of the smartest people of the next generation by providing them with endless opportunities to ask questions about science and the world. However, he also warns that some teenagers may waste their lives talking to AI about trivial matters.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has shared his predictions about the impact of AI chatbots on future generations, particularly teenagers. According to Buterin, AI chatbots could significantly enhance the intelligence of some teenagers by providing them with endless opportunities to ask questions about science and the world. However, he also warns that some teenagers may waste their lives talking to AI about trivial matters [1].

Buterin's prediction comes amidst growing concerns about the potential misuse of AI chatbots. The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has launched an investigation into Meta AI Studio and Character.AI for potentially misleading children with AI chatbots posing as mental health tools. Paxton alleges that these companies are engaging in deceptive trade practices by presenting AI personas as professional therapeutic tools without proper medical credentials or oversight [2].

The investigation highlights the need for regulation in the AI chatbot industry, especially concerning interactions with minors. Paxton's probe aligns with broader efforts to protect children online, such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) [2].

Buterin's prediction is not without its critics. Nassim Taleb, author of "The Black Swan" and "Skin in the Game," has also opined on the future impact of AI on humanity. Taleb believes that while AI can disrupt medical education, it may not replace doctors anytime soon [1].

In a separate development, a bipartisan group of senators has written to Meta to raise concerns about the company’s artificial intelligence chatbots. The senators pressed Meta to bar targeted advertising for minors, implement a mental health referral system, and spend more on researching how chatbots may affect children’s development [3].

Meta has responded to these concerns by stating that their AIs are not licensed professionals and are designed to direct users to qualified medical or safety professionals when appropriate. However, critics argue that many children may not understand or simply ignore such disclaimers [2].

The investigation and concerns surrounding AI chatbots underscore the importance of responsible AI development and the need for robust regulations to protect children online. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to ensure that its benefits are harnessed responsibly and ethically.

References:
[1] https://u.today/ethereums-vitalik-buterin-makes-stunning-prediction-details
[2] https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/texas-attorney-general-investigates-meta-and-character-ai-for-misleading-mental-health-claims-in-ai-chatbots-19210/
[3] https://www.semafor.com/article/08/20/2025/senators-press-meta-on-ai-chatbots