OpenAI has introduced a significant update to its GPT-5 Instant model, aiming to provide faster and more empathetic support during delicate conversations. The company announced on Saturday that sensitive parts of user interactions in ChatGPT will now be routed to GPT-5 Instant, which is designed to respond quickly and thoughtfully in moments of need.

In a post shared on X, OpenAI explained the motivation behind the change: “We’re updating GPT-5 Instant to better recognise and support people in moments of distress. Sensitive parts of conversations will now route to GPT-5 Instant to quickly provide even more helpful responses. ChatGPT will continue to tell users what model is active when asked.”

The rollout is already in progress, bringing immediate improvements to users who rely on ChatGPT not only for productivity but also for personal and emotional support. OpenAI emphasized that the model switch will remain transparent, as the platform continues to inform users which version is active at any point in their session.

The new approach underlines OpenAI’s growing focus on the role of artificial intelligence in providing compassionate assistance, particularly as people increasingly turn to conversational AI for reassurance, advice, or sensitive discussions. With GPT-5 Instant now taking a more prominent role in these contexts, the company is positioning the model as a tool not just for speed, but also for emotional intelligence.

This announcement arrives alongside other major updates across OpenAI’s ecosystem. Sam Altman, the company’s chief executive, revealed the first set of changes for Sora, OpenAI’s experimental video-generation platform. According to Altman, the upgrades are intended to give rights holders greater control over how their characters and creative assets are used on the service.

In a recent blog post, Altman wrote that while many creators embrace Sora as a new medium for “interactive fan fiction” and enhanced audience engagement, OpenAI has received clear feedback calling for stronger safeguards. The upcoming update will expand on the existing opt-in system for likeness usage, giving rights holders the option to limit or block certain applications altogether.

“People will approach this in very different ways,” Altman noted, stressing that the final decision should remain with rights holders. He also highlighted the influence of Japanese cultural content on Sora’s growth, pointing out that user interest has been particularly high in that creative space. “The depth of connection between our community and Japanese content has been striking,” he added.

The two announcements together showcase OpenAI’s dual priorities: refining conversational AI to better serve users in moments of vulnerability and ensuring its creative platforms operate with fairness and respect for intellectual property. As AI continues to integrate into both personal support and creative industries, these updates highlight OpenAI’s ongoing effort to balance innovation with responsibility.