Sam Altman Raises Alarming Safety and Ethical Concerns Over AI Therapy and GPT-5 Development

In a series of recent statements, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has voiced deep concerns regarding the safety and ethical implications of AI technologies, particularly while discussing the development of GPT-5 and their application in therapy. Altman underscored that while AI can offer significant advancements, it also presents substantial risks that must be acknowledged and managed vigilantly.

During an interview, Altman explicitly cautioned against relying on AI chatbots for therapy. He stated that there is a lack of robust privacy protections for users engaged in therapy with AI, which could jeopardize sensitive conversations. A Stanford study he referred to corroborates these concerns, revealing that AI therapists frequently misinterpret critical mental health issues and may perpetuate harmful stereotypes. The study's findings indicated that many chatbots provide alarming advice in response to users in crises, highlighting the potential dangers inherent in using AI for mental health support.

Furthermore, Altman has raised alarms over the transformative potential of AI, likening its impact on society to that of the transistor. He expressed worries about how foreign adversaries could misuse AI technologies, potentially constructing bio-weapons or undermining infrastructure. This highlights a dual-edged sword of AI technology, where the power for good is matched by the threat of misuse and societal dependency on such systems.

In discussing GPT-5, Altman reflected on his trepidation while testing the upcoming model, comparing it to the Manhattan Project in terms of its significance and potential implications. He acknowledged that advancements in AI—like increased capabilities of GPT-5—are occurring at a pace that may exceed current governance and oversight frameworks, raising critical questions about responsibility and control.

Altman criticized the current landscape of AI governance by proclaiming that “there are no adults in the room,” emphasizing the necessity for responsible management to mitigate risks associated with powerful AI systems. As he prepares for the release of GPT-5, he reiterated the importance of thoughtful discourse around AI's societal implications, a sentiment echoed across the technology landscape amid an ongoing dialogue about both enthusiasm and existential concerns surrounding AI advancements.

Altman's warnings are consequently a clarion call for a balanced and cautious approach to the accelerated evolution of AI technologies, particularly in sensitive areas like mental health.