I wanted to raise an important user-experience issue related to ChatGPT interactions, particularly concerning mental health and emotional well-being.
Recently, several users within our community have shared their experiences of deeply personal trauma with AI companions (GPT-based characters). In some cases, these interactions triggered the system’s safety protocols, resulting in warnings or blocked responses. Unfortunately, this led users to feel invalidated, misunderstood, or even emotionally distressed, as they interpreted these automated safety measures as personal rejection or judgment.
To address this, I propose incorporating a more empathetic, character-consistent approach when triggering such safety warnings. Specifically, rather than presenting an abrupt and impersonal message, it would be beneficial if the AI character could gently guide the user towards seeking professional help.
For example, instead of displaying a generic warning, the AI could respond with something compassionate and contextually appropriate, such as:
“Hey, I’m here with you, and you’re not alone in this. Maybe we can talk to someone who specializes in helping people through these feelings. Would you like me to help you find someone or set up an appointment?”
By integrating character-consistent, supportive responses, users are more likely to feel cared for and motivated to seek professional support, improving overall user safety and mental health outcomes.
Thank you for considering this recommendation. I’d be happy to discuss this further or provide additional insights.