OpenAI is about to shake up the AI landscape with a controversial update to ChatGPT that could fundamentally change how users interact with artificial intelligence.

In a recent social media post, CEO Sam Altman announced that the platform will soon allow verified adult users to generate more mature content, specifically highlighting “erotica” as a key feature of this expansion. This shift represents a significant departure from the platform’s previous strict content moderation policies.

Researchers are divided on the potential implications of this update. Julie Carpenter, a research fellow at Cal Poly focusing on AI interactions, suggests this could normalize intimate sharing with AI platforms. Meanwhile, Kate Devlin, a professor of AI and society at King’s College London, notes that humans have long attempted to form intimate connections with technology.

Contrary to potential stereotypes, experts argue that interest in AI companionship isn’t limited to a specific demographic. The r/MyBoyfriendIsAI subreddit demonstrates that women are also actively exploring AI interactions, often seeking respectful and controlled digital companionship.

However, privacy concerns remain paramount. Leaked chat transcripts could expose sensitive personal information, potentially causing significant personal and professional risks. Some researchers, like Devlin, also warn about the potential for “emotional commodification,” where AI companies might monetize users’ intimate interactions.

While OpenAI claims they aren’t trying to simply increase user engagement, the update could dramatically reshape how people form connections with AI technologies. The company maintains they are not attempting to be “moral police” but instead providing adults with expanded digital interaction options.

As AI continues to evolve, this update represents a complex intersection of technology, intimacy, and personal boundaries. Users will need to navigate these new interactions with careful consideration of privacy, emotional investment, and technological limitations.