As technology rapidly advances toward an AI-driven future, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has a clear message for teenagers: start learning about AI now or risk falling behind.Hassabis heads Google DeepMind, the lab behind some of the company’s most advanced AI tools, like the Gemini chatbot. His team is also working on building something called artificial general intelligence (AGI), a future version of AI that could think and reason like a human.

At a recent Google I/O event, Hassabis said DeepMind might be less than 10 years away from creating AGI. Since he works so closely with cutting-edge AI, he has a good idea of what the future could look like. On the popular tech podcast "Hard Fork," Hassabis told teenagers to fully embrace artificial intelligence, calling it the most important technology of their generation. He said, "Just like the internet shaped millennials and smartphones defined Gen Z, generative AI will be the mark of Gen Alpha." He added that in the next 5 to 10 years, some jobs will change or disappear because of AI, but new and more exciting jobs will also be created.

Hassabis advised young people to start learning about AI tools and how they work as early as possible. He encouraged students to become experts (ninjas) with new technologies before they go to university. "Immerse yourself now," he said. "Learning how to learn is very important." His advice matches many new education programs focused on AI.Hassabis says that just knowing how to use technology isn’t enough. It’s important to learn basic subjects like science, math, and especially coding. But he also thinks being creative, flexible, and strong in tough situations matters a lot.

“These skills will help young people do well,” he said. “It’s good to know about STEM subjects, but it’s also important to be ready for constant changes.”Since ChatGPT came out in 2022, AI has grown fast, making people excited but also worried about jobs. As the race to build super-smart AI gets faster, Hassabis believes teaching kids how to understand and work with AI is very important. He says clearly: AI is not just coming in the future, it’s here now. Kids who learn about AI early will have a big advantage in a world shaped by smart machines.

Tips for students in the AI age

AI is changing the world, and Hassabis has advice for students on how to keep up. He says it’s important not just to learn technical skills, but also to understand yourself and how you learn. “Use your time in college to know yourself better and learn how to learn,” he said.

Hassabis, a top AI expert, warned that while hard skills are important, many of these tasks can now be done better by machines. So, he suggests students focus more on being flexible and quick thinkers, skills that AI can’t easily copy. He said these abilities will be more useful and last longer than specific technical skills, which might become outdated fast.

With AI advancing quickly, Hassabis encourages students to be curious and active. He advises using free time at university to explore new areas and try out new AI tools, even outside of regular classes. “Learn the basics in school, but use your spare time to stay updated so you’re ready when you graduate,” he said.