OpenAI has announced the introduction of a new feature in ChatGPT, named “Study Mode,” designed to cultivate deeper learning and critical thinking among students utilizing its platform.
Unveiled on Tuesday, this new feature encourages users to engage more thoughtfully with educational material, rather than simply relying on the chatbot for direct answers. When Study Mode is activated, ChatGPT prompts students with questions to assess their comprehension and, in some instances, withholds straightforward solutions unless the student demonstrates genuine effort or interaction.
The feature is currently being rolled out to logged-in users across all ChatGPT’s Free, Plus, Pro, and Team subscription plans. OpenAI also confirmed its intention to extend the feature to its ChatGPT Edu subscribers—school-managed plans predominantly used by students—in the coming weeks.
This launch occurs amid increasing scrutiny of generative AI tools within educational environments. Since ChatGPT’s debut in 2022, its use in schools has sparked controversy, with many institutions initially imposing bans due to concerns that it could undermine student learning. However, several schools reversed these decisions by 2023, opting instead to explore effective ways to integrate the tool into classroom instruction.
In a briefing with TechCrunch, OpenAI’s VP of Education, Leah Belsky, acknowledged concerns surrounding passive learning and stated that Study Mode is part of a broader initiative to address them. She articulated, “We want to transform ChatGPT from an answer engine into a learning partner.”
A study published in June indicated that users who depended on ChatGPT for essay writing exhibited lower brain activity compared to those utilizing Google Search or working independently, raising alarms about the potential impact of AI on cognitive development.
While Study Mode represents a proactive step, it is not without limitations. Students retain the ability to switch back to standard ChatGPT mode at any time, and the feature currently lacks parental or administrative controls to enforce its use. Belsky noted that OpenAI might consider adding such controls in the future, but for the time being, the responsibility rests with the students themselves.
This feature mirrors a similar endeavor by rival AI firm Anthropic, which introduced “Learning Mode” for its chatbot Claude earlier this year.
Despite its opt-in nature, OpenAI views Study Mode as a fundamental shift in how generative AI can be leveraged in education. “This is just the beginning,” the company stated, adding that it plans to publish further insights into how students interact with AI tools as part of their learning journey.
