Sam Altman claims over a million ChatGPT users discuss suicide weekly

OpenAI has revealed alarming new data showing that more than a million people each week are turning to ChatGPT to discuss suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.

The company said that around 0.15% of its 800 million weekly active users have conversations indicating possible suicidal intent or planning.

The findings also show that a similar percentage of users display signs of emotional dependency on the chatbot, while hundreds of thousands appear to show symptoms of psychosis or mania during their interactions.

OpenAI described these cases as “extremely rare” but acknowledged their significance, emphasising that the data helps the company design better responses to users in crisis.

As part of this effort, OpenAI collaborated with over 170 mental health professionals to refine ChatGPT’s tone, accuracy, and ability to respond to distressing content more sensitively.

The revelations come as OpenAI faces growing scrutiny over AI’s role in users’ mental health. 

The company is currently being sued by the parents of a 16-year-old boy who reportedly confided suicidal thoughts to ChatGPT before taking his life.

US state attorneys general from California and Delaware have also warned OpenAI to strengthen protections for younger users.

Earlier this month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company had “mitigated serious mental health risks” in ChatGPT.

However, he added that OpenAI plans to ease some restrictions on adult interactions, including allowing erotic conversations, a move that has already stirred controversy among safety advocates.