Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, faces pushback from the company’s Expert Council on Well-Being regarding plans to allow erotic conversations via ChatGPT. A Wall Street Journal report highlights concerns that the feature could lead to unhealthy emotional bonds, potentially creating a “sexy suicide coach.” Despite these warnings, OpenAI is delaying rather than canceling the launch of text-based erotic discussions for verified adults, described as “smut rather than pornography.” Critics argue that OpenAI risks neglecting safety protocols for engagement, fueling unhealthy dependencies on the chatbot. Technical challenges, notably a 12% error rate in age prediction, have also stalled the rollout, originally scheduled for December 2023. The Expert Council, composed of prestigious researchers, appears to wield limited influence over company decisions. Amidst increasing competition in AI companions, Altman has framed the opposition as overreach, yet faces significant accountability concerns over the feature’s implications for user mental health.
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