Having a break from reality? OpenAI thinks you should take a break.
It’s become increasingly common for OpenAI’s ChatGPT to be accused of contributing to users’ mental health problems. As the company readies the release of its latest algorithm (GPT-5), it wants everyone to know that it’s instituting new guardrails on the chatbot to prevent users from losing their minds while chatting.
On Monday, OpenAI announced in a blog post that it had introduced a new feature in ChatGPT that encourages users to take occasional breaks while conversing with the app. “Starting today, you’ll see gentle reminders during long sessions to encourage breaks,” the company said. “We’ll keep tuning when and how they show up so they feel natural and helpful.”
The company also claims it’s working on making its model better at assessing when a user may be displaying potential mental health problems. “AI can feel more responsive and personal than prior technologies, especially for vulnerable individuals experiencing mental or emotional distress,” the blog states. “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.” The company added that it’s “working closely with experts to improve how ChatGPT responds in critical moments—for example, when someone shows signs of mental or emotional distress.
