OpenAI introduced an optional Trusted Contact feature for ChatGPT users back in May, designed to connect individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm with designated emergency contacts during moments of emotional crisis. According to NPR estimates based on data released by OpenAI, more than a million weekly users of the chatbot discuss suicide and self-harm on the platform.
The feature functions as an opt-in system requiring users to set up a trusted contact through the app’s settings before any crisis occurs. When ChatGPT detects signs of serious safety risk—including indirect warning signs that accumulate over time—the chatbot will alert the designated contact if one has been established. However, NPR’s investigation found significant barriers to user awareness and adoption. New users are not automatically informed about the feature during onboarding, and existing users reported never receiving notifications about it. When questioned directly, ChatGPT initially failed to acknowledge the feature’s existence before eventually clarifying that it must be manually configured in advance.
OpenAI spokesperson Gaby Raila indicated the company has observed “good adoption” of the feature but declined to provide specific usage numbers. Raila also noted that the Trusted Contact feature is not currently available on ChatGPT’s voice interface, though the company is developing it for that platform. During text-based conversations, the bot may prompt users experiencing suicidal thoughts to set up the feature and can direct them to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.
Suicide prevention experts expressed cautious support for the initiative while noting limitations. Holly Wilcox, director of the Center for Suicide Prevention at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, advocated for proactively offering the feature to all users before emergencies arise. Psychologist Ursula Whiteside, CEO of suicide prevention nonprofit Now Matters Now, found the setup process straightforward but acknowledged that individuals in acute distress might struggle with the procedure. Focus groups conducted by Whiteside’s organization indicated that individuals managing suicidal thoughts valued the concept of establishing trusted contacts during periods of mental clarity.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI