Meta’s AI chief, Alexandr Wang, has a clear message for teenagers growing up in the age of artificial intelligence: immerse yourself in coding and creation, because this moment could define your future. Speaking in a recent discussion, Wang encouraged young people to dedicate their free time to experimenting with code and AI tools, drawing parallels with how tech pioneers like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg built their skills at a young age.
If you are like 13 years old, you should spend all your time coding and just, you know, that’s how you live your life,
– Alexandr Wang, Meta AI Chief
Why Wang’s Advice Resonates with the AI Generation
Wang believes the world is witnessing a transformation similar to the personal computer revolution of the 1980s. Back then, teenagers who spent thousands of hours tinkering with software and hardware laid the foundation for some of the world’s biggest technology companies. He argues that the same opportunity exists now, but this time, it’s driven by artificial intelligence.
According to Wang, learning how to code and interact with AI systems is no longer just a technical skill; it’s a new kind of literacy. The ability to shape, guide, and collaborate with intelligent systems will define how the next generation contributes to society. He described AI as a “creative multiplier,” a tool that rewards those who understand how to use it deeply and fluently.
Learning from Gates and Zuckerberg
Wang pointed to Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg as examples of what happens when passion and early practice align. Both began programming in their teens, not as a school requirement but as a personal obsession. Wang believes the same mindset applies today, except that the frontier has shifted from writing software for computers to teaching AI systems how to think, generate, and solve problems.
He urged teenagers not to wait for formal training but to learn by doing — coding small projects, experimenting with AI assistants, and developing problem-solving habits that build long-term technical intuition. In his view, the students who spend their teenage years experimenting freely with AI will form the core of the next generation of innovators.
A Wake-Up Call for Parents and Educators
The advice challenges traditional views of education and career development. For educators, it’s a reminder that structured learning isn’t enough in a rapidly changing landscape. Schools that focus solely on textbook knowledge risk leaving students behind in an economy where adaptability and experimentation are becoming key skills.
For parents, Wang’s comment highlights the importance of providing space, time, and access to technology. He isn’t suggesting that every teen must become a software engineer, but that they should build comfort and fluency with tools that will define future industries — from AI and robotics to biotechnology and creative design.
Coding as a Lifestyle, Not a Lesson
Wang’s vision for young people isn’t about memorizing syntax or completing online courses. It’s about living in a way that keeps them close to innovation — seeing coding and creation as everyday activities rather than isolated lessons. He believes curiosity and persistence matter more than natural talent, and that those who start early will hold a lasting advantage when AI becomes as fundamental as electricity or the internet.
The Broader Message
Wang’s words come at a pivotal time when governments, educators, and industry leaders are debating how to prepare future generations for an AI-driven economy. His advice reframes that question: it’s not just about preparing — it’s about participating. The teenagers who grow up building alongside AI systems won’t merely adapt to the future; they’ll shape it.
His message is both a challenge and an invitation. For a 13-year-old with curiosity and access to the internet, coding isn’t just a skill to learn someday — it’s the language of the world they’re already living in.
Source: Live Mint
