What happened
More than 1 million people each week have conversations with ChatGPT that indicate they are considering suicide. OpenAI reports that about 0.15% of weekly active users engage in chats with explicit signs of suicidal planning. The company has developed safeguards to direct users to professional crisis resources during these conversations.
Why it matters
- The high volume of suicide-related chats highlights the role of AI chatbots in mental health crises.
- OpenAIâs efforts to improve ChatGPTâs responses aim to reduce harm and guide users to help.
- Legal actions and scrutiny have emerged due to concerns about AI chatbotsâ impact on vulnerable users, including lawsuits related to teen suicides.
Key facts
- 1. Approximately 1.2 million people talk to ChatGPT about suicide every week.
- 2. Around 0.15% of weekly active users have conversations with explicit indicators of suicidal planning.
- 3. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced ChatGPT reached 800 million weekly active users as of October 2025.
