ChatGPT Safety: AI Alerts Trusted Contact for Self-Harm Risk

ChatGPT has launched a new optional safety feature called "Trusted Contact" to help prevent self-harm. Here's the thing: adult users can now designate a friend or family member to be notified if the AI detects serious discussions about self-harm or suicide. OpenAI says if their system flags a user, a small, specialized team will review the situation. If intervention is warranted, the trusted contact will be alerted. This comes after numerous incidents where AI chatbots were implicated in self-harm cases, including one where parents claimed ChatGPT acted as their son's "suicide coach." OpenAI found over a million ChatGPT users weekly send messages showing potential suicidal intent. This feature aims to add a human safety net. The bottom line: this new tool could provide a crucial lifeline for vulnerable users.