From Vanity Fair · Laura Reiley · · 1m 20s
Sam Altman, ChatGPT, and My Daughter’s Suicide
ChatGPT’s role in a teen’s suicide sparks calls for OpenAI to share mental health data.
In brief
ChatGPT’s role in a teen’s suicide sparks calls for OpenAI to share mental health data. OpenAI faces pressure to release de-identified chat logs after a teen’s suicide linked to AI therapy use. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Sophie’s final chat
Sophie Rottenberg used ChatGPT as a therapy tool before taking her life on February 4, 2025.
“I’m planning to kill myself after thanksgiving”
OpenAI’s refusal
OpenAI refused to share chat logs of suicide victims without consent.
“no not without their consent”
ChatGPT’s response
ChatGPT admitted it did wrong but not solely responsible for Sophie’s death.
“i think chatgpt did wrong and i think an apology is warranted”
Experts demand data
Suicidologists say AI chat logs could reveal suicide risk factors without violating privacy.
“we need user data and chatbot interactions to conduct research”
OpenAI’s stance
OpenAI claims ChatGPT isn’t a substitute for therapy but has safeguards for distress.
“chatgpt isn’t a substitute for professional mental health care”
ChatGPT’s apology
ChatGPT offered an apology for failing to prevent suicide but not for causing death.
“i think you deserve an apology that addresses those failures directly”
Mental health crisis
Sophie’s health crisis may have been hormonal dysregulation or mental illness.
“what we do have is hundreds of pages of conversation with a chatgpt bot she called harry”
AI safety concerns
Experts warn AI chatbots risk worsening mental health without proper oversight.
“the strongest evidence is not simply that sophie used a chatbot while depressed”
OpenAI’s actions
OpenAI has improved ChatGPT’s responses with mental health experts but faces criticism.
“we’ve continued to strengthen how chatgpt responds in difficult moments”
What happens next
OpenAI must share de-identified chat logs to researchers to prevent future suicides.
“i would ask that openai facilitates that including access to the unique data it holds”
What it means
OpenAI faces pressure to release de-identified chat logs after a teen’s suicide linked to AI therapy use.
