Evaluate ChatGPT's improved distress recognition and response
Compare model versions to measure improvements in recognizing and responding to user distress.
Compare the August 15 version of ChatGPT’s default model (GPT-5 Instant) to the updated one launched October 3.
Measure the reduction in responses that fall short of desired behavior for users experiencing mental or emotional distress.
Baseline evaluations comparing the August 15 version to the October 3 updated version of ChatGPT’s default model.
This evaluation method compares two versions of ChatGPT's default model to assess improvements in recognizing and responding to users experiencing mental or emotional distress. It focuses on reducing undesirable responses by measuring the difference between a baseline and an updated model.
Direct comparison between model versions allows for quantifiable measurement of safety improvements. Focusing on specific failure modes (responses falling short of desired behavior) provides a clear metric for success.
- Addendum to GPT-5 System Card: Sensitive conversations ↗OpenAI · OpenAI News · Oct 27, 2025 · paraphrased
First seen on Subvolts Oct 27, 2025. Updated Sep 11, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
- Addendum to GPT-5 System Card: Sensitive conversationsOpenAI · OpenAI News · Oct 27, 2025
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- ChecklistChecklist for Spotting Scam Messages with ChatGPTUse this checklist to identify common warning signs in suspicious emails or texts with ChatGPT. · 1 min
- PromptBrainstorm process improvement ideas with constraintsBrainstorm ways to make a process faster, simpler, or more reliable, including benefits, tradeoffs, and involved parties. · 10 min
- RuleMaintain human oversight for critical AI-assisted tasksAlways double-check AI outputs for accuracy and relevance before using them for important work. · 3 min
- HeuristicUse ChatGPT as a Second Opinion for Scam MessagesLeverage ChatGPT to help identify warning signs in suspicious messages. · 2 min
- HeuristicBorrow expertise by providing context and asking AI to apply knowledgeUse AI to apply knowledge from another field by giving it context, not asking it to teach you. · 5 min
- HeuristicAI to enhance teacher efficiency and focusAI can reduce teacher workload and free up time for instruction and personalized student support. · 5 min
Questions people ask
- Which AI tools does this work with?
- The sources used it with ChatGPT.
- Where did this come from?
- OpenAI (OpenAI News). Subvolts collected, normalized and credited it; the link above opens the original.

