OpenAI has announced the launch of a new feature in ChatGPT, titled Study Mode, aimed at promoting deeper learning and critical thinking among students using its platform.
Unveiled on Tuesday, the new feature encourages users to engage more thoughtfully with educational material, rather than relying on the chatbot for direct answers. When Study Mode is enabled, ChatGPT prompts students with questions to test comprehension and, in some cases, refuses to provide straightforward solutions unless the student demonstrates effort or interaction.
The feature is being rolled out to logged-in users across ChatGPT’s Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans. OpenAI also confirmed that it plans to expand the feature to its ChatGPT Edu subscribers — school-managed plans used primarily by students — in the coming weeks.
The launch comes amid growing scrutiny of generative AI tools in educational settings. Since ChatGPT's debut in 2022, its use in schools sparked controversy, with many institutions initially imposing bans over concerns that it undermined student learning. However, several schools reversed these decisions by 2023, opting instead to explore ways to integrate the tool into classroom instruction.
In a briefing with TechCrunch, OpenAI’s VP of Education, Leah Belsky, acknowledged the concerns around passive learning and said Study Mode is part of a broader effort to address them. “We want to transform ChatGPT from an answer engine into a learning partner,” she said.
A study published in June had shown that users who relied on ChatGPT for essay writing exhibited lower brain activity compared to those using Google Search or working independently, raising alarms about the impact of AI on cognitive development.
While Study Mode represents a proactive step, it is not without limitations. Students can 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 may consider adding such controls in the future, but for now, the responsibility lies with students themselves.
The feature mirrors a similar effort 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 foundational shift in how generative AI can be used in education. “This is just the beginning,” the company said, adding that it intends to publish further insights into how students interact with AI tools as part of their learning journey.
