OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says he does not want AI as his son's best friend
The OpenAI chief expressed concerns regarding the impact of emerging technologies on developing brains and the need for stricter safeguards for children.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that he does not want his son to have an artificial intelligence chatbot as a best friend, according to a Times of India report. Altman shared these views during a US Senate hearing in May 2025 and in a recent interview with Vanity Fair published on October 5, 2026.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Altman said he has not decided on an age for his children to begin using ChatGPT. He indicated that he is not currently at ease with his children using the technology at their present age.
The OpenAI chief also advocated for limiting technology exposure for young children, suggesting they should spend time outdoors and in nature. He raised concerns about the effects of touchscreens and short-form videos on developing brains, noting the uncertainty surrounding these emerging technologies.
During a May 8, 2025, hearing before the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Altman told Senator Bernie Moreno that he does not want an AI bot to be his child's best friend. He argued that children require a higher level of protection than adults when using AI services.
Altman noted that OpenAI aims to provide adults with freedom in using products while applying stricter rules for younger users. He also mentioned the difficulty companies face in reliably identifying whether an online user is an adult or a child.
The American Psychological Association (APA) issued a health advisory in June 2025 warning that adolescents might struggle to distinguish simulated empathy from human understanding. The advisory suggested that strong attachments to AI could interfere with real-world social skills.