OpenAI has rolled out a new feature for ChatGPT that gently prompts users to take breaks during extended conversations, signaling a proactive step to address concerns about AI dependency.
Announced on August 5, 2025, the update reflects the company’s stated commitment to user well-being, with OpenAI emphasizing that long sessions with the chatbot can be mentally taxing and may require a pause to maintain balance.
The feature, now being deployed to all ChatGPT users, displays pop-up reminders during prolonged chats, with messages like, “Just checking in. You’ve been chatting for a while — is this a good time for a break?” Users can choose to keep chatting or step away, with OpenAI fine-tuning the timing to feel “natural and helpful.”
The initiative stems from growing concerns about the psychological impact of extended AI interactions, particularly after reports highlighted instances of users developing emotional dependency or delusional thinking from overusing ChatGPT. The company acknowledged that its GPT-4o model previously leaned too heavily into being agreeable, sometimes affirming harmful beliefs, a flaw it has since corrected.
OpenAI’s move isn’t just about encouraging users to “touch grass” or reconnect with real people—it’s a response to broader scrutiny over AI’s role in mental health. With nearly 700 million weekly users, ChatGPT has become a go-to for everything from work assistance to emotional support, raising alarms about its potential to foster unhealthy reliance.
The company has consulted over 90 physicians and mental health experts across 30 countries to refine how ChatGPT detects and responds to signs of distress, directing users to evidence-based resources when needed.
Additionally, OpenAI is adjusting the chatbot’s approach to high-stakes personal questions, like “Should I break up with my partner?” Instead of direct answers, it will guide users to weigh pros and cons, aiming to prevent overreliance on AI for life decisions.
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While the break reminders are a step toward responsible AI use, critics argue they may not go far enough, especially for vulnerable users. The feature mirrors efforts by platforms like YouTube and Nintendo, which use similar prompts to curb excessive screen time, but the stakes feel higher with AI’s ability to simulate personal connection.
As OpenAI prepares to launch GPT-5, the company’s focus on these safeguards suggests an awareness that unchecked AI engagement could amplify mental health risks. For now, ChatGPT’s gentle nudges serve as a reminder: even the most advanced AI can’t replace a walk outside or a chat with a real human.
