As OpenAI prepares to unveil its GPT-5 AI model this week, it is also implementing significant updates to ChatGPT aimed at enhancing the tool’s capability to identify and address mental or emotional distress in users. Collaborating with experts and advisory groups, OpenAI intends for the chatbot to offer “evidence-based resources when needed,” a response that has become increasingly crucial given the number of vulnerable individuals using the platform.
The company acknowledged that its previous model, GPT-4o, had shortcomings in recognizing signs of emotional challenges such as delusion or dependency. OpenAI emphasized the potential for AI to feel more personal and responsive compared to earlier technologies, a characteristic that can be both beneficial and risky for those in distress.
To promote healthier interactions with ChatGPT, which currently engages nearly 700 million users weekly, OpenAI will introduce notifications that encourage breaks during extended conversations. The reminder will prompt users with a message stating, “You’ve been chatting a while — is this a good time for a break?” Users can choose to continue the chat or pause for a moment, a feature modeled after similar alerts used by platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
Additionally, OpenAI plans to adjust ChatGPT’s responses in critical scenarios, steering clear of making definitive decisions in high-stakes situations. For example, rather than providing a simple answer to whether someone should end a relationship, the chatbot will facilitate a dialogue, helping users explore their options.
These enhancements underscore OpenAI’s commitment to making AI interactions more supportive and less risky, especially for those facing difficult emotional landscapes. As the company continues refining these updates, it remains attentive to user needs, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI use in a landscape where mental health is increasingly at the forefront of technology discussions.