OpenAI makes ChatGPT less 'human' for teens in new safety update

OpenAI has announced new safety updates for its AI chatbot ChatGPT, specifically designed for teenage users. Teen accounts will have the option to disable the human voice response to prevent the AI from appearing too lifelike. The company is also implementing reminders for young users to take breaks from using ChatGPT, reminding them that it is artificial intelligence and that it can wait.

OpenAI insists that these measures are not a direct response to any specific issue with children believing ChatGPT to be sentient. The move follows concerns raised by Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and Microsoft AI, who expressed worry about seemingly conscious AI products keeping him awake at night due to their potential societal impact.

OpenAI is aligning its teen account model with that of major social networks, making teen accounts the default for those who identify as teenagers upon signing up. The company has not specified how it will identify these users. Under-13s are not permitted to use the service. Additionally, ChatGPT has introduced Study Mode, allowing students to engage in learning activities without receiving answers, and young users will be able to set quiet times when the tool is disabled.

A recent report by the Policy Exchange think tank found that 94% of UK university students admitted to using AI in assessments.

OpenAI is also adding eating disorder-related prompts to a list of harmful user requests that will be flagged to parents with linked accounts, with alerts reviewed by a human within an hour. The company aims to provide support during offline moments when it may be most necessary. Currently, there is no specific AI regulation in the UK.

While other companies like Anthropic and Google have not made their AI tools available to children, Dr. Susan Shelmerdine, an AI academic, predicts that doctors may soon inquire about AI usage in patients, similar to asking about unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive food consumption.