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OpenAI Will Add Mental Health Guardrails For ChatGPT
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
OpenAI announced new changes to its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, on Monday, including the introduction of mental health guardrails aimed at supporting vulnerable users. The updates are designed to prevent ChatGPT from making decisions for users and will include reminders to take breaks after extended interactions with the AI system.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- OpenAI announced changes to ChatGPT, including mental health guardrails.
- The chatbot will send reminders so that users take breaks after extended interactions.
- The updates come after multiple reports of users becoming overly attached to ChatGPT, experiencing worsening mental health, and cases of AI psychosis.
According to the official announcement , OpenAI plans to make ChatGPT more useful, and correct and optimize its behavior. The company acknowledges that previous updates made the AI model “too agreeable” and that many people use it as a therapist during difficult times.
“AI can feel more responsive and personal than prior technologies, especially for vulnerable individuals experiencing mental or emotional distress,” wrote OpenAI. “To us, helping you thrive means being there when you’re struggling, helping you stay in control of your time, and guiding—not deciding—when you face personal challenges.”
ChatGPT has now been trained to better recognize when a user is emotionally or mentally struggling and to provide more appropriate responses. These changes follow several reports of users becoming overly attached to ChatGPT , experiencing worsening mental health, and the emergence of cases described as “ AI psychosis. ”
“There have been instances where our 4o model fell short in recognizing signs of delusion or emotional dependency,” explained OpenAI, adding that new tools are being implemented to better detect potential mental health concerns.
The AI system will also include periodic reminders for users to take breaks from interactions, and will focus on helping users reach their own conclusions by asking more guiding questions instead of offering direct answers. This approach is similar to ChatGPT’s new Study Mode , in which it supports students by encouraging critical thinking and posing Socratic questions instead of simply providing solutions.
OpenAI also noted that it has been working closely with a range of experts—including general practitioners, psychiatrists, and pediatricians—to ensure ChatGPT offers meaningful assistance during critical moments. The company also created an advisory group to consult with mental health professionals and guide the development of these features.
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Apple To Increase Spending On AI Development
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Apple is set to invest more in artificial intelligence to catch up with rivals. CEO Tim Cook suggested last Thursday that the company may buy additional data centers or even acquire a major player in the AI space. A recent report also revealed that Apple is developing a ChatGPT rival and an “answers engine.”
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Apple said it’s open to investing more in AI and told employees the company “must” win the AI race.
- CEO Tim Cook urged employees to focus on AI development and assured the company will make the necessary investments.
- The tech giant allegedly created a new team called Answers, Knowledge and Information, which is developing an “answers engine.”
According to Reuters , during a conference call last week, Cook said that Apple is committed to advancing AI technology and is open to acquiring large companies to support this effort.
“We’re very open to M&A that accelerates our roadmap,” explained Cook to investors. “We are not stuck on a certain size company, although the ones that we have acquired thus far this year are small in nature.”
Compared to other tech giants, Apple has lagged behind in taking bold steps in the AI race. Google recently announced a $25 billion investment in data centers and AI infrastructure. Meta acquired Scale AI for more than $10 billion, and OpenAI partnered with Aker and Nscale last week to build the largest data center in Europe.
In a recent Bloomberg report , Apple expert Mark Gurman revealed that after the earnings call, Cook gathered employees and emphasized that the company must compete in the AI revolution, and that they will make the investments necessary to succeed. Anonymous sources said that the CEO stressed the need and the urgency of standing out in the increasingly competitive AI market.
Gurman also reported that Apple is developing a ChatGPT rival, as the company falls behind in chatbot innovation. Despite recent updates, Siri has failed to keep pace with advancements from competitors.
To address this, Apple has reportedly formed a new team called Answers, Knowledge, and Information (AKI) to develop an internal “answers engine.” While still in its early stages, the initiative is already recruiting talent with expertise in search algorithms and engine development.
