Scott Pape, better known as the Barefoot Investor, is no stranger to stirring the pot when it comes to financial advice.
But in his latest newsletter, he’s taken things to a whole new level—delving into the world of artificial intelligence and issuing what he calls ‘the most controversial thing’ he’s ever published. And let’s just say, it’s not your usual budgeting tip.
Pape’s warning isn’t about dodgy investment schemes or the perils of credit card debt (though he does get to that).
Instead, he’s shining a spotlight on the subtle, creeping dangers of technology—specifically, how AI and our digital habits could be quietly eroding the next generation’s wellbeing, values, and even their financial future.
A devilish thought experiment
It all started with a conversation Pape had with a tech-savvy friend. The friend suggested he ask ChatGPT, the now-famous AI chatbot, a provocative question: ‘If you were the devil, how would you destroy the next generation?’
Pape, never one to shy away from a challenge, did just that. The AI’s response? A chilling, step-by-step blueprint for the ‘slow, systematic erosion’ of society—one that reads like a cautionary tale for anyone concerned about the future of our kids and grandkids.
The 10-step plan to ruin a generation
Here’s a taste of what the AI had to say, in its own words (with no editing from Pape):
1. Hijack their attention:
Create devices that feel essential but are engineered to be addictive. Think infinite scroll, auto-play, dopamine loops, and FOMO.
The result? Kids glued to screens, mistaking consumption for creation and scrolling for learning.
Example: A 14-year-old spends four hours on social media ‘productivity hacks’ and achieves nothing all day.
2. Redefine success as fame:
Elevate influencers over contributors. Teach young people that a viral moment is worth more than a decade of hard work. ‘Likes’ become the new currency of self-worth.
Example: Kids want to be ‘YouTubers’, not because they love storytelling, but because they crave adoration.
3. Attack the family structure:
Undermine parental authority, normalise absentee parenting, and erode family traditions.
Example: A child feels closer to an online streamer than to their own dad.
4. Cut them off from nature:
Replace outdoor play with digital avatars and screens. Make the natural world seem boring or unsafe.
Example: A 10-year-old can’t identify a magpie but knows every Pokémon.
5. Confuse pleasure with purpose:
Market hyper-palatable food, porn, and substances as ‘freedom’. Make pleasure the default pursuit, and discomfort the enemy.
Example: A young man loses years to video games, vapes, and porn—not because he’s evil, but because he’s numb and alone.
6. Replace meaning with mockery:
Treat faith, commitment, and virtue as outdated. Replace sacred stories with algorithm-driven noise.
Example: A teenager is more afraid of being ‘cringe’ than being cruel.
7. Sell hyper-individualism:
Push ‘you do you’ and ‘cut off the haters’. Remove rites of passage and community belonging.
Example: Loneliness becomes a silent epidemic, even as everyone has 2,000 ‘friends.’
8. Enslave them with debt and distraction:
Promote financial illiteracy and instant gratification. Blur the lines between wants and needs.
Example: A 22-year-old racks up $30,000 in credit card and Afterpay debt to look successful on Instagram.
9. Weaken them physically:
Fill diets with ultra-processed foods and encourage inactivity.
Example: A child can’t sit still in class—not because they’re broken, but because they’re inflamed, malnourished, and sleep-deprived.
10. Make them spiritually hollow:
Remove the idea of service, sacrifice, or something bigger than themselves.
Example: A 16-year-old says ‘I don’t care’ about everything—because caring hurts and there’s no compass.
The AI’s final thought? ‘If I were the devil, I wouldn’t come with horns and pitchforks. I’d come with a sleek app, a soothing voice, a personal algorithm—and I’d whisper this is freedom.’
A mirror, not a monster
Pape admits the whole thing is ‘pretty intense’. But he’s quick to clarify: he doesn’t believe AI is some evil Frankenstein (at least, not yet).
Instead, he sees AI as a ‘pattern-spotting machine’—one that reflects back to us the choices and trends we’ve already set in motion.
‘And for me, here’s the gut punch,’ Pape writes. ‘The AI isn’t creating the nightmare—it’s holding up a mirror. And it’s not a pretty picture.’
Why should we care?
For some older folks, it’s easy to feel a bit removed from the social media generation. But Pape’s warning isn’t just for parents of teenagers.
It’s a wake-up call for all of us—grandparents, uncles, aunts, mentors—who care about the world we’re leaving behind.
The issues raised by the AI—addiction to devices, loss of community, financial illiteracy, and the erosion of family and tradition—are already playing out in our society.
And while technology brings many benefits (who doesn’t love a good video call with the grandkids?), it’s worth asking: are we doing enough to help the next generation navigate these challenges?
What can we do?
- Model Healthy Habits: Show younger family members that there’s life beyond the screen. Share your own stories of resilience, hard work, and community.
- Teach Financial Literacy: Don’t let ‘buy now, pay later’ become the norm. Talk openly about budgeting, saving, and the dangers of debt.
- Encourage Real-World Connections: Invite the grandkids for a bushwalk, a backyard cricket match, or a family meal. Help them reconnect with nature and tradition.
- Foster Meaning and Purpose: Share your values, beliefs, and the things that give your life meaning. Encourage curiosity, service, and a sense of belonging.
Your turn: What do you think?
Scott Pape’s warning is certainly food for thought. Do you agree with his concerns about technology and the next generation? Have you seen these trends play out in your own family or community? What advice would you give to help young Aussies thrive in a digital world?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Share your experiences in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!
Also read: Three biggest money mistakes and how to avoid them
