OpenAI has launched a new feature in ChatGPT called Study Mode, aimed at helping students engage more meaningfully with academic content and avoid the growing trend of copying ready-made answers from AI. The feature, available to all logged-in users on Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans, is also expected to roll out to ChatGPT Edu users in the coming weeks.
The move comes amid global concerns from educators and parents who worry that students may be relying too heavily on AI for schoolwork, undermining genuine learning. OpenAI says Study Mode is a direct response to these concerns, designed to shift the focus from solution-hunting to deep understanding. In a statement released on Tuesday, the company explained that the feature encourages students to think critically and build subject knowledge through guided interaction rather than simply receiving completed answers.
OpenAI said the new feature was developed in collaboration with teachers, learning scientists, and education experts to reflect well-established principles from the learning sciences. These include techniques that promote active engagement, cognitive load management, metacognitive strategies, and constructive feedback to reinforce learning. Study Mode tailors its interactions to match the user’s skill level and learning goals, helping students make sense of difficult topics while maintaining agency in the learning process.
According to Robbie Torney, Senior Director of AI Programs at Common Sense Media, the introduction of Study Mode represents a step in the right direction for responsible use of AI in education. Torney noted that while AI can be a powerful support tool, features like this are critical in ensuring students remain active participants in their own academic development.
With ChatGPT already among the most widely used study tools globally, OpenAI’s new feature could redefine how students approach AI in the classroom and at home. The company says users will have the flexibility to toggle Study Mode on or off within any conversation, giving them control over how they interact with the tool. The feature is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between technological convenience and meaningful education.
