OpenAI launched a "student" mode in ChatGPT

OpenAI has introduced a special learning mode for students in ChatGPT that helps to work through tasks step by step, rather than just getting a ready-made answer.

"Study Mode in ChatGPT is designed as an interactive experience: it uses the Socratic method and step-by-step prompts to guide the user," the announcement states.

The tool to foster critical thinking — the chatbot asks the user clarifying questions to check their understanding of the material. In some cases, it refuses to give a direct answer immediately if the student does not show engagement.

The mode is available for Free, Plus, Pro, Team users, and will be available for Edu in the coming weeks. It was created in collaboration with teachers and experts, "marking the first step towards improving the educational features of ChatGPT."

Chatbots are increasingly becoming an indispensable tool in education, however, studies show that they can reduce the level of critical thinking development.

"Education is one of the key areas of artificial intelligence development. As part of NextGenAI and the SCALE initiative at Stanford University, we are conducting long-term research to gain a deeper understanding of how AI tools shape the future of learning," said OpenAI.

In April, the company Anthropic introduced a similar feature called Learning Mode for its AI Claude.

The decision to use Study Mode is up to the student — they can always switch back to regular mode to get answers.

Recall that in July, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that personal conversations with ChatGPT are not legally protected. According to him, if necessary, a court may request all the information that users shared with the chatbot.