ChatGPT now allows you to designate someone to reach out to if circumstances become difficult.

      OpenAI is developing a human safety net within ChatGPT for moments of crisis.

      AI chatbots have made discussing a variety of subjects, including sensitive topics, quite accessible. However, this openness presents both advantages and risks. To address these concerns, OpenAI is introducing a new feature that involves notifying a trusted individual when serious issues arise.

      The feature, known as Trusted Contact, is being integrated into ChatGPT settings for adult users. It allows users to designate one person who can be alerted if ChatGPT identifies a significant risk of self-harm.

      How does the Trusted Contact feature operate?

      Setting up a Trusted Contact is not mandatory, but if users choose to do so, they must ensure their chosen contact is at least 18 years old, or 19 in South Korea. Once a person is named, they receive an invitation that explains their role, which they must accept within one week for the feature to become active. If they decline, users can select another contact.

      The alert system is not fully automated. If ChatGPT flags a conversation as possibly concerning, it first informs the user that their Trusted Contact might be notified and encourages the user to reach out directly with suggested conversation starters. A small, specialized team of human reviewers will then evaluate the situation. Only if they determine there's a serious risk will the contact be notified via email, text, or app notification. The alert does not include chat transcripts or details, simply indicating that self-harm was mentioned in a concerning manner and suggesting that the contact check in. OpenAI aims to complete the human review within an hour.

      Why has OpenAI introduced this feature now?

      The Trusted Contact feature is part of a wider initiative to enhance safety on the platform. Previously, OpenAI implemented features allowing parents to receive alerts if a linked teen account shows signs of distress. Trusted Contact is an adult-oriented extension of this feature, developed with insights from clinicians, researchers, and mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association.

      It’s important to note that Trusted Contact does not replace crisis hotlines, emergency services, or professional mental health assistance. ChatGPT will still direct users to these resources when necessary. Users retain the ability to change or remove their Trusted Contact at any time, and contacts can opt out whenever they choose.

      In reality, ChatGPT is being used for deeply personal discussions, regardless of OpenAI's original intentions. Introducing a feature like Trusted Contact represents a positive development and acknowledges the limitations of chatbot support.

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      Korea embraces a robotic Buddhist monk at a traditional monastery, signaling future trends.

      Buddhism has entered the robotic era with the introduction of a monk named Gabi. A humanoid robot participated in a Buddhist ceremony in Seoul, making for an impressive sight. This robot, standing 1.3 meters tall, was named "Gabi" during a special refuge ceremony conducted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, which is the largest Buddhist sect in South Korea.

      Why a robot became a genuine monk in a functioning temple

      OpenAI's new voice update surpasses Siri and Alexa in capabilities.

      The universal translator has transitioned from science fiction to a reality accessible in your app store.

      OpenAI has unveiled three new audio models in its Realtime API, which are significant advancements for developers creating voice-powered applications. The models include GPT-Realtime-2, GPT-Realtime-Translate, and GPT-Realtime-Whisper. Together, these enhancements advance voice AI from basic interactions to a level where it can comprehend requests, perform actions, and engage in genuine conversations.

      Perplexity's AI answering system will not be integrated into Snapchat.

      The anticipated partnership between Perplexity and Snapchat is no longer proceeding. Snapchat announced in its Q1 2026 investor letter that the two companies "amicably ended the relationship in Q1," which concludes a $400 million cash-and-equity agreement announced last November. This deal was supposed to incorporate Perplexity’s AI answering engine into Snapchat’s Chat interface, allowing users to ask questions and receive conversational, source-supported answers within the app. Though earlier projections indicated that the partnership would contribute to revenue in 2026, Snapchat’s latest sales forecast now does not expect any contributions from Perplexity.