Ask HN: Am I crazy for doubting in having kids due to the impact of AI?

Am I crazy for thinking this way?

Absolutely not. That's not to say, by any stretch of the imagination, that it's a fait accompli that AI is going to lead to some future dystopian hellscape. Or that if it does, that that would happen in the lifetimes of your hypothetical children. But some dystopian scenarios are certainly plausible with a lot of open questions about how probable they are. Given that, it's very valid to be concerned about these topic.

I know that technology has always had an impact on society, and that we've always found a way to adapt. But AI seems different somehow. It feels like we're entering uncharted territory, and I'm not sure if we're ready for the changes that will come.

Look, I'm about as far from a traditional Luddite as you can get. Hell, I actively spend a decent amount of my time on AGI research even now. But even I have to admit that I have some qualms in regards to what the future is going to hold in this regard. I'm not in, or even close to, "complete and total freak out / melt down mode", and I'm not retreating off-grid to my secret bunker with 14 years worth of dried beans and 12 million rounds of 9mm ammo stored away. But I do spend a lot of time just thinking through scenarios, reading what other peple are saying, and just thinking and trying to build a solid case in my mind in regards to what is probably coming.

So if you're crazy, then well... you're not the only one.

Your kids are going to love AI. Why deny it to them?

Yes. You should be hesitating because of climate change. AI is a great reason to have kids. They might get to explore other planets/dimensions or fight a final battle with malicious robots in Gundam suits welded out of old F-35 parts. Environmental degradation, by contrast, just sucks.

I'm personally not having kids, but not because of AI. I can relate to the anxiety and its impact on my life, my wife's, and those I love. Hang in there, are you seeing a therapist?

Yeah, I was, but when talking about these points she is clueless just like most people so not helping to be honest.

You're not talking to the therapist for their expertise on the technological implications, you're there to talk about the emotional implications.

I know but I am not looking for emotional responses since they look empty from my perspective. I'd prefer a rational hard answer like "Everything is going to be allright" but no one can promise that.

You can't know the future. What you can know is the love for your child, should you have it. It is a great blessing. Don't let AI take that away.

Look at Roblox. Kids will figure out how to acquire stuff. I think there will be a lot more gambling.