OpenAI has launched Study Mode, a new feature within ChatGPT designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills rather than just obtaining answers. With Study Mode enabled, ChatGPT will pose questions to users and, in some cases, refuse direct answers unless students engage with the material.
The feature is initially available on logged-in users across ChatGPT’s Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans starting Tuesday. OpenAI aims to introduce Study Mode to its Edu subscribers, who often use ChatGPT in school settings, in the coming weeks.
Study Mode addresses concerns that excessive use of generative AI like ChatGPT can hinder critical thinking skills. Research has shown that students using ChatGPT for essay writing exhibit lower brain activity compared to those using Google or no tools at all.
Despite its benefits, some schools initially banned ChatGPT due to fears about its impact on education. However, many have since lifted their bans and accepted ChatGPT as a learning tool. OpenAI hopes Study Mode will improve ChatGPT’s effectiveness as an educational resource.
While Study Mode shows promise, it relies on students’ commitment to engage with the feature. Leah Belsky, OpenAI’s VP of Education, noted that the company is not currently offering tools for parents or administrators to lock users into Study Mode. However, this might be explored in the future.
Study Mode aims to support learning and will provide more information about how students use generative AI throughout their education.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/29/openai-launches-study-mode-in-chatgpt