OpenAI has announced new upgrades aimed at promoting the responsible and healthy use of its AI chatbot, ChatGPT. These changes are focused on detecting signs of mental or emotional distress in users and responding with more care.
According to a blog post shared on Monday, OpenAI is working to help ChatGPT “respond appropriately and point people to evidence-based resources when needed.” The company is collaborating with physicians, clinicians, human-computer interaction researchers, mental health advisory groups, and youth development experts to enhance the chatbot’s responses in such sensitive situations.
One key update will involve reducing the decisiveness of ChatGPT’s replies in high-stakes personal matters. For example, when asked questions like “Should I break up with my boyfriend?”, the chatbot will now engage the user with thoughtful follow-ups, weigh different perspectives, and help guide reflection, rather than providing a straightforward answer. This behavioural change is expected to roll out soon.
These steps come amid rising concerns over users turning to AI chatbots for therapy or emotional support. Mental health professionals have warned that such tools, though advanced, may lack the nuance required to offer appropriate help and might unintentionally reinforce harmful thinking. OpenAI acknowledged these concerns and admitted that previous updates made ChatGPT too agreeable. “We rolled it back, changed how we use feedback, and are improving how we measure real-world usefulness over the long term, not just whether you liked the answer in the moment,” the company said.
It also noted that AI can feel more personal and responsive than past technologies, particularly for vulnerable individuals experiencing emotional challenges.
In addition, OpenAI is introducing a new feature to remind users to take breaks during extended sessions. “Starting today, you’ll see gentle reminders during long sessions to encourage breaks. We’ll keep tuning when and how they show up so they feel natural and helpful,” it stated. These reminders will appear in a rounded white pop-up box with a soft blue background, asking, “Just checking in — You’ve been chatting a while — is this a good time for a break?”
This move mirrors similar features launched by other platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
OpenAI’s announcements come just ahead of the expected launch of its next major language model, GPT-5, as ChatGPT approaches 700 million weekly active users.
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