Forbes January 19, 2026
In response to mounting concerns about safety of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in relation to mental health issues, major tech companies have announced a slew of protective measures over the last few months. OpenAI introduced updated safety protocols following high-profile incidents, while other platforms have implemented crisis detection systems and parental controls.
But these guardrails are largely reactive rather than proactive, often deployed after tragedies occur rather than being built into the foundation of these systems. The effectiveness of these measures continues to be questioned by mental health professionals and safety advocates, who point to fundamental gaps in how AI systems understand and respond to psychological distress.
While the intersection between human psychology and AI means there could be more...
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