ChatGPT refuses to be friendzoned
The chatbot’s impending ‘adult mode’ shows how old human impulses still drive new technology
I AM not in the habit of making New Year’s resolutions, but if I were, it would be to get through 2026 without engaging OpenAI’s ChatGPT in any sort of dirty talk.
My resolve will soon be tested because OpenAI is planning to debut “adult mode” within ChatGPT sometime this quarter. In December 2025, the company said that it was testing its age-prediction model, which it will use to age-gate the racier interactions that it plans to enable.
As part of the eventual roll-out, the chatbot is expected to be able to engage in what OpenAI’s founder Sam Altman had called “erotica for verified adults” in a post on X last October.
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
