OpenAI Launches Digital Savior

OpenAI has announced the launch of an unprecedented security feature in ChatGPT, which aims to address the mental health risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.

The new feature gives users the option to set a  "trusted contact", which the system automatically notifies if the algorithms detect serious signs of suicidal or self-harm during conversations, providing a quick bridge to real-world support at critical moments.

Shocking Numbers Driving Change

The move is driven by alarming statistics revealed by the company, with an  estimated 0.07% of weekly users (500,000 people out of 900 million)  showing signs of a psychological emergency.

The data indicated that 1.3 million users (0.15%)  express thoughts related to self-harm, making the development of digital intervention tools an urgent necessity rather than just a technical option.

Integration between the algorithm and the dedicated team

According to a report published by  the Independent, the feature does not rely on random automatic reporting, but rather goes through precise stages, as sophisticated automated monitoring systems detect dangerous behavioral and linguistic patterns.

Following the monitoring, a dedicated human team reviews the conversation to assess the seriousness of the threat and the urgency of sending an alert to the trusted contact to ensure privacy and prevent false reports.

Scientific support for the role of social ties

The move has been welcomed by academia and the medical community, with Arthur Evans, chief executive of the American Psychological Association, calling the inclusion of a loved one a "critical protective factor."

Evans stressed that the strength of this technology lies in its ability to combine instant digital support with real-world social support, breaking the user's isolation at the height of their psychological distress.

 The   Trusted Contact  feature isn't the only tool, but it also strengthens ChatGPT's existing security ecosystem.

The platform continues to automatically direct users to local helplines and crisis support centers when any threat is detected, in an effort by OpenAI to dispel growing concerns about the deep psychological effects of AI tools on vulnerable groups and adolescents.