Meta Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang revealed his plans to wait before having children until brain-computer interface technology such as Elon Musk's Neuralink becomes workable. Wang made the comments while discussing artificial intelligence, human development and the possibility of connecting the brain directly to computers.
Meta brought Wang into its AI organisation as part of its $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, where he was the chief executive. He went on to lead Meta Superintelligence Labs.
Alexandr Wang's Reason Behind Delaying Parenthood
During an appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show, Wang said, 'I want to wait to have kids until we figure out how Neuralink or other, what's called brain-computer interfaces, so other ways for brains to interlink with a computer, until they start working.'
He connected that view to neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and reorganise. 'In your first, like seven years of life, your brain is more neuroplastic than at any other point in your life,' Wang said.
Wang illustrated his reasoning with an example involving children born with cataracts. He argued that early development can be an important period for the brain to learn how to process sensory signals, and used that example to explain why he thinks children could adapt differently to a future BCI.
He said children using such technology from an early age could learn to operate it in ways that would be harder for adults who encounter it later. 'Kids who are born with them are going to learn how to use them in like, crazy, crazy ways,' Wang said.
He also suggested that an interface could eventually become integrated into how a person's brain functions. 'It'll actually be like a part of their brain,' Wang said.
There is currently no clinical evidence showing that implanted BCIs can be used safely in developing children for this purpose. Neuralink's existing studies therefore provide an important distinction between what the technology can demonstrate today and Wang's proposed future.
Neuralink Clinical Trials and What Patients Can Actually Do
Neuralink's PRIME study is an early feasibility trial examining the safety and functionality of its N1 implant and surgical robot in people with tetraparesis or tetraplegia. Trials list an estimated 15 participants, with the study beginning in January 2024 and completion currently estimated for 2031.
The first participant, Noland Arbaugh, received an implant in January 2024. Neuralink demonstrated him controlling a computer cursor using his brain signals and playing online chess.
The company later reported that Arbaugh could use the system for activities including browsing the internet and controlling a laptop. His implant also experienced an early issue in which some of the electrode threads retracted from their original positions, affecting signal collection.
Neuralink subsequently made software changes to compensate for the reduced number of functioning electrodes.
Neuralink subsequently reported additional participants using its Telepathy system. In February 2025, the company said three people were using the system and had collectively accumulated more than 4,900 hours of use. Reported applications included controlling computers and phones.
The programme has also moved into other areas of assistive technology. Neuralink is also investigating whether its implant can help participants control assistive devices such as a robotic arm.
These developments show that BCIs are already being investigated as tools that can help people with serious disabilities interact with computers and other technology. They do not demonstrate enhanced intelligence, accelerated childhood learning or safe implantation in developing brains.
For now, Wang's idea remains a prediction about a future generation of brain-computer interfaces.
