OpenAI recently made waves when it announced the release of a new Study Mode feature within its widely successful ChatGPT platform. This dynamic new resource allows students to hone their essential narrative-building and critical thinking skills. The move is the company’s first step toward using generative AI to power better educational outcomes. ChatGPT is quickly gaining popularity among students. To counter this, OpenAI is providing safe and beneficial tools that promote self-directed exploration.
The introduction of Study Mode comes at a time when millions of students are integrating ChatGPT into their academic routines. OpenAI is aware of this trend and has made promises to focus on ensuring that students interact with AI technologies in academically enriching ways. Expect to hear more from the company in coming months, including information that will provide greater detail about how generative AI is being used to support students’ education. This new initiative focuses on OpenAI’s commitment to building a world where technology acts as an empowering educational aide.
OpenAI plans to add administrative or parental controls over the use of ChatGPT down the line. This potential development reflects the company’s awareness of the challenges and responsibilities that come with integrating AI into educational settings. By responding to these issues, OpenAI aspires to help establish a secure and advantageous educational landscape for learners.
Maxwell Zeff has been immersing himself in the history and future of AI, its effects, and beyond, over…Aniza Zeff Based in San Francisco, Zeff has contributed to national media outlets, including Gizmodo, Bloomberg, and MSNBC. His reflections on the changing role of AI in education are more timely than ever. After all, 86% of students already leverage AI in their studies.
By 2023, several of those same schools that initially banned ChatGPT had reversed course. Perhaps most importantly, educators came to understand that AI is an inescapable reality of young people’s lives. Teachers have responded to this shift, embracing AI tools as resources, not just roadblocks.
Alongside all these exciting developments, TechCrunch is lucky enough to be bringing one of our favorite events—the TC Sessions Series—to San Francisco on October 27-29, 2025. We hope this event will lay the groundwork for exciting conversations to come. Attendees will discuss the educational impacts of AI technologies such as ChatGPT.
Outside of his reporting duties, Maxwell Zeff enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring the vibrant food scene in the Bay Area. His wide-ranging interests clearly demonstrate the harmony that exists between Sten’s professional life, deeply rooted in technology, and his personal endeavors.