Grimes, the Canadian artist and musician formerly partnered with Elon Musk, has issued a stark warning about artificial intelligence‘s impact on developing minds, calling it “the biggest imminent threat” to children in a recent conversation with cultural theorist Joshua Citarella.
Speaking candidly about her concerns, Grimes specifically highlighted the dangers of AI tools like ChatGPT for young people. “To me, the biggest imminent threat is just outsourcing thinking,” she explained. “A couple years ago, I said I do not think this is a safe thing for kids. I do not think when you have a developing brain, probably before 24, 25, you should be using a tool that can write for you.”
Her warnings are grounded in emerging research suggesting AI usage may cause cognitive damage. “Studies have been coming out that it is causing like neural… like brain atrophy basically,” she noted, adding that while initial studies focused on adults, the implications for children are even more concerning. “ChatGPT without a wrapper is in my opinion probably not safe for a developing brain.”
Grimes drew parallels to past failures in protecting children from harmful products, expressing frustration with society’s pattern of experimenting on youth. “I’m also tired of experimenting on kids—smoking, McDonald’s, and now we’re going to do it with this, you know, social media,” she said, referencing how industries have historically prioritized profit over children’s wellbeing.
The artist advocates for outright bans on AI tools for young people, suggesting they should be prohibited for those under 21 or 22, unless used within educational frameworks with proper safeguards. “I really think ChatGPT and stuff should be banned for kids,” she stated firmly.
Beyond cognitive concerns, Grimes raised alarms about OpenAI’s recent decision to introduce erotica features for verified adults, calling it “really bad.” She warned of catastrophic social consequences: “Now we want to have everyone go into the perfect girlfriend, perfect boyfriend. What percentage of people are going to survive this and be able to have a normal relationship after this?”
Her concerns extend to the gamification of intimate relationships and the potential for AI to fundamentally alter human social development. “You’re getting used to like a compliant person in like a romantic setting,” she explained, noting that this differs fundamentally from traditional pornography because users are engaging in actual conversations and relationship dynamics with AI entities.
Grimes emphasized that the technology sector’s current approach treats AI like “a regular technology, but it’s a mind.” This fundamental misunderstanding, she argues, creates dangerous blind spots in how society regulates and integrates AI into daily life. She called for international cooperation and a coherent value system before further AI deployment, warning that without proper strategy, we risk economic and social collapse.
“We’re getting into a risk of economic depression and stuff if we don’t deal with this literally right now,” she stated urgently, explaining her decision to expedite her music release despite the album not being fully ready.
The artist’s perspective carries particular weight given her proximity to Silicon Valley’s AI development community and her personal connections to tech leaders.
Rather than opposing AI entirely, Grimes advocates for what she calls “strategy.” She calls for a thoughtful, internationally coordinated approach to AI deployment that prioritizes education, digital hygiene, and protecting vulnerable populations, especially children, from technologies whose long-term effects remain unknown.