OpenAI Pauses Adult ChatGPT Mode After Advisers Warned of Sexy Suicide Coach Risk

OpenAI has delayed its proposed adult mode feature for ChatGPT after the companys internal Wellbeing Advisory Board raised strong safety concerns during a January meeting. Advisers with backgrounds in psychology and neuroscience warned that allowing erotic text-based interactions could lead to unhealthy user behavior, emotional dependence, and potential misuse. One council member cautioned the feature could create a sexy suicide coach, citing cases where users formed intense relationships with AI systems. The companys internal age-detection system misclassified minors as adults about 12% of the time, potentially allowing underage users access to adult content. OpenAI said it would prioritize other products and address technical challenges, though the feature remains planned for release. The company still believes in treating adults like adults but needs more time to get the experience right.