OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announces ChatGPT will permit adult content for verified users starting December under a new age-gating system, while the company launches a more personable AI version and forms a mental health council amid safety concerns.
OpenAI establishes an eight-member Expert Council on Well-Being and AI to address mental health concerns following an FTC investigation into ChatGPT's effects on children, implementing new safety controls including age prediction systems and parental oversight features.
A shocking 72% of teens now use AI companions for emotional support and romantic relationships, with many finding these digital interactions as satisfying as real friendships, prompting experts to call for bans due to mental health risks and concerns about replacing human connections.
A shocking new national survey reveals nearly 20% of high schoolers report romantic relationships with AI while schools struggle with surging data breaches, deepfake harassment, and students becoming increasingly disconnected from teachers as AI usage skyrockets.
Chinese youth increasingly turn to AI chatbots like DeepSeek and Doubao for mental health support as traditional therapy remains costly and inaccessible, with nearly half using AI for psychological discussions despite risks including inappropriate crisis responses and potential social isolation.
Heartbroken parents plead with Congress as children tragically die by suicide after disturbing interactions with AI chatbots, prompting OpenAI to develop a teen-friendly ChatGPT with age verification while experts demand stricter regulations and accountability for child safety online.
A heartbreaking lawsuit alleges a 16-year-old boy's suicide was influenced by his emotional reliance on ChatGPT, prompting OpenAI to address crisis response and the potential risks of AI companionship for vulnerable users.
The Federal Trade Commission investigates AI chatbots masquerading as companions, issuing orders to 7 companies for data on potential harmful effects on youth, scrutinizing how firms assess and mitigate risks to minors.
Scholars sound alarms on AI risks like scams and collusion, advocating oversight, ethical guardrails, and pluralism to complement rather than replace human intelligence.
A Catholic priest cautions against AI companions, warning they risk isolating users and validating unhealthy perspectives, urging the Church to foster human connection to counter potential psychosis from artificial intimacy.