AI chatbots have transformed how we discuss personal topics, including some of life’s most difficult moments. But this openness comes with responsibility. OpenAI is stepping up with a new feature called ChatGPT Trusted Contact, designed to bring a human into the loop when conversations take a serious turn.

Rolling out now for adult users, this optional setting lets you designate one person who can be alerted if the AI detects potential self-harm concerns. It’s a proactive move that blends technology with human oversight.

How Does ChatGPT Trusted Contact Work?

Setting up a ChatGPT Trusted Contact is straightforward but comes with clear rules. The person you choose must be at least 18 years old—or 19 in South Korea. Once you nominate someone, they receive an invitation explaining their role. They have one week to accept before the feature activates. If they decline, you can pick another contact.

The alert process isn’t automatic. When ChatGPT’s systems flag a conversation as concerning, the chatbot first informs you that your contact may be notified. It also suggests conversation starters to help you reach out directly. A small team of specially trained human reviewers then evaluates the situation. Only if they confirm a serious risk does your contact get notified—via email, text, or in-app alert.

What Information Is Shared?

Importantly, the alert doesn’t share chat transcripts or details. It simply states that self-harm came up in a potentially concerning way and asks the contact to check in. OpenAI aims to complete this human review within one hour, ensuring timely support without compromising privacy.

Why Is OpenAI Adding This Now?

This feature builds on earlier safety measures. Previously, OpenAI introduced alerts for parents when linked teen accounts show distress. ChatGPT Trusted Contact extends that protection to adults. It was developed with input from clinicians, researchers, and mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association.

However, this feature isn’t a replacement for professional help. ChatGPT will still direct users to crisis hotlines and emergency services when needed. You can remove or change your trusted contact anytime, and contacts can opt out whenever they wish.

As AI becomes a confidant for many, ChatGPT Trusted Contact acknowledges that technology has limits. It’s a step toward blending digital support with real human connection. For more on AI safety, check out our guide on AI safety tips for users.

What This Means for Users

The reality is that people use ChatGPT for deeply personal conversations, whether OpenAI planned for it or not. Adding a feature like this is a move in the right direction. It also admits that a chatbot can only do so much.

If you’re considering setting up a trusted contact, remember it’s optional but potentially life-saving. For more on mental health resources, visit our mental health support page.

In summary, ChatGPT Trusted Contact represents a thoughtful evolution in AI safety. It combines automated detection with human judgment, offering a safety net without overstepping privacy boundaries.

Snapchat and Perplexity AI Part Ways: Inside the $400 Million Deal That Fell Apart

The Snapchat Perplexity AI deal is officially dead. Snap confirmed in its Q1 2026 investor letter that both companies “amicably ended the relationship in Q1,” terminating a $400 million cash-and-equity agreement announced in November. The partnership would have brought Perplexity‘s AI answering engine directly into Snapchat’s Chat interface, allowing users to ask questions and receive conversational, source-backed answers without leaving the app. However, the integration never materialized, leaving many wondering why.

Why Did Snapchat and Perplexity End Their Partnership?

Initial signs of trouble emerged in February, when Snap announced that it had not yet mutually agreed on a broader rollout plan with Perplexity. The deal also raised concerns about how AI search would function inside private messaging, particularly for younger users and sensitive topics. With hundreds of millions of daily users on Snapchat, integrating a chatbot seemed promising on paper, but practical hurdles proved insurmountable.

Furthermore, Snap’s latest sales guidance now assumes no contribution from Perplexity, a stark contrast to earlier projections that the partnership would begin generating revenue in 2026. The abrupt cancellation highlights the challenges tech companies face when embedding AI assistants into existing social platforms. Learn more about the rise of AI in messaging apps.

What Does This Mean for Snapchat Users?

The end of the Snapchat Perplexity AI deal does not mean Snapchat is abandoning AI altogether. The company recently introduced AI Sponsored Snaps, an ad format that lets brands place interactive AI chatbots inside Chat. So chatbot-style conversations may still appear in Snapchat, but through advertisements rather than a dedicated search engine.

Snap is also expanding features around Snap Map. Its new Place Loyalty feature ranks users based on how often they visit certain locations over the past year, awarding Gold, Silver, and Bronze status levels. Snap emphasizes that rankings remain private to the user, and location sharing is off by default. These moves suggest Snap is focusing on organic engagement rather than third-party AI integrations.

How Does Snapchat’s AI Strategy Compare to Competitors?

Tech giants are racing to embed AI assistants across their ecosystems. Meta has added Meta AI to WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Google has integrated Gemini into Search, Android, Gmail, and other products. Snapchat seemed to be following a similar path with Perplexity, but the cancellation signals a different approach.

Instead of a universal AI chatbot, Snap is opting for controlled, ad-driven AI interactions. This strategy may appeal to advertisers but limits the scope of AI functionality for users. As a result, Snapchat’s AI capabilities remain narrower than those of competitors like Meta and Google. Compare Snapchat’s AI features with Meta’s offerings.

Is Snapchat Still Growing Without the Perplexity Deal?

Absolutely. In Q1, Snap’s global daily active users rose 5% year-over-year to 483 million, while monthly active users increased 5% to 965 million. The company credited growth to features across Snap Map, Lenses, and other parts of the app. This indicates that Snapchat can thrive without the Perplexity integration, relying on its core strengths in visual communication and augmented reality.

Building on this momentum, Snap is likely to continue investing in native AI tools rather than external partnerships. For now, the Snapchat Perplexity AI deal serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of integrating AI into social platforms. Explore what’s next for Snapchat and AI.

Even Brief AI Use Could Hurt Your Ability to Think, a New Study Finds

Could a short session with an AI chatbot actually dull your mind? A new study from researchers at Carnegie Mellon, MIT, Oxford, and UCLA suggests that using an AI assistant for as little as 10 minutes might impair your ability to think critically and solve problems. The findings raise serious questions about the AI use thinking skills relationship in our daily lives.

As reported by Wired, the study asked participants to tackle problems like simple fractions and reading comprehension tasks. Some were given access to an AI assistant that could solve the problems for them. When the AI was suddenly removed, those participants were far more likely to give up or get the answer wrong. In other words, the moment the AI crutch was gone, people struggled.

How AI Use Affects Critical Thinking and Persistence

This research highlights a troubling trend: relying on AI may weaken our critical thinking AI abilities. When the AI was taken away, participants who had used it showed less persistence—the willingness to keep trying when things get hard. Persistence is a key part of how humans learn and develop new skills over time. AI, it seems, is quietly chipping away at that.

Building on this, the study suggests that even brief exposure to AI problem-solving can create a dependency. Participants became accustomed to quick answers, reducing their own cognitive effort. This could have long-term implications for education and workplace training, where AI chatbot problem solving is increasingly common.

What the Researchers Say About AI and Learning

Michiel Bakker, an assistant professor at MIT who worked on the study, is careful not to sound like a doomsayer. “The takeaway is not that we should ban AI in education or workplaces,” he says. “AI can clearly help people perform better in the moment, and that can be valuable. But we should be more careful about what kind of help AI provides, and when.”

In addition, Bakker believes AI tools need to be redesigned to work like a good teacher. Instead of just handing the answer, they should coach users through the problem. “Systems that give direct answers may have very different long-term effects from systems that scaffold, coach, or challenge the user,” he adds. This is a crucial insight for anyone concerned about cognitive effects AI in learning environments.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Thinking Skills

So, what can you do to avoid the pitfalls of AI dependency? First, use AI as a tool for guidance, not a shortcut. For example, instead of asking a chatbot to solve a math problem, ask it to explain the steps. This way, you engage your own problem-solving abilities.

Second, set limits on AI use for complex tasks. The study shows that even 10 minutes of AI assistance can reduce your own cognitive effort. Try solving problems on your own first, then use AI to check your work. This approach preserves AI education impact while maintaining your skills.

Third, consider using AI tools that are designed to scaffold learning. Some platforms now offer interactive coaching, which can help you learn rather than just get answers. For more on this, check out our guide on how to use AI for learning without losing your edge.

The Bigger Picture: AI in Education and Workplaces

It’s a tricky balance, and AI companies are already grappling with related issues. For now, it might be worth asking yourself: is your AI assistant helping you grow, or just doing your thinking for you? The AI assistant learning dynamic is complex, but awareness is the first step.

Ultimately, this study serves as a wake-up call. While AI offers incredible benefits, we must be intentional about how we use it. By prioritizing active learning and critical thinking, we can harness AI’s power without sacrificing our own cognitive abilities. For further reading, see our article on balancing AI and human intelligence in the modern world.