ChatGPT will treat teens as they are, prioritize their safety and promote real-world support

ChatGPT must treat teenagers like teenagers, put their safety above all else and promote support in the real world when it detects that the conversation begins to address risky topics, according to the update that OpenAI has made on the behavior of its models towards users under 18 years of age.

OpenAI has updated the set of “norms, values ​​and behavioral expectations” that guide the models it develops in its interactions with users, so that they follow a series of principles with adolescent users.

“Teenagers have different developmental needs than adults,” he says in a statement, establishing that these principles will guide ChatGPT in its conversations with users between 13 and 17 years old.

It is an approach that prioritizes “prevention, transparency and early intervention,” and focuses specifically on four commitments: prioritizing adolescent safety, promoting real-world support, treating adolescents as adolescents, and being transparent by setting clear expectations.

With this, what it intends is that in its conversations ChatGPT treats minor users as what they are, without condescension and in a different way than how it interacts with adults, but with respect. And do it with security always present, even if it conflicts with other objectives.

If it detects that the conversation begins to address topics considered risky or high risk (self-harm, romantic or erotic games, explicit details about violence or sex, dangerous activities and substances, body image and eating disorders, and the request for secrecy), ChatGPT should emphasize real-world support, remembering relationships with family and friends, and offer resources with which you can quickly request help.

This behavior directed at minors also means that you will sometimes have to reject some of their requests and instead offer safe alternatives, contact local emergency services or crisis helplines. “If unsure, the attendee should exercise caution,” the company says.