ChatGPT To Launch Social Features And Private Messaging
ChatGPT's Social Evolution
OpenAI is gearing up to transform ChatGPT from a simple AI-powered chat application into a full-fledged social platform. This move follows the introduction of Sora 2, which already incorporates a feed of generated videos, and now, clear signs of a similar social integration are emerging within ChatGPT itself.
Code Reveals Direct Messaging and User Profiles
Users have begun to notice on platforms like X that ChatGPT is testing private messaging capabilities. This new feature will allow users to send messages directly to other GPT users, much like on other social networks. To facilitate this, the app is adding support for unique usernames and complete user profiles with photos.
Further evidence comes from AI researcher Tibor, who discovered references to Direct Messages in the code of the ChatGPT Android app. The specific code, found in beta version 1.2025.273, refers to the feature with the internal codenames Calpico and Calpico Rooms.
Interestingly, these private messaging features first appeared in the new Sora 2 app for iOS, leading some to believe they would remain exclusive to that platform. However, the latest code discoveries indicate that similar social functionalities are slated for release in ChatGPT as well.
The application's code also contained links related to profile and avatar updates, notifications for users joining or leaving a chat, and push notifications for new messages from other users or from ChatGPT.
The Bigger Picture A Shift Towards Social AI
The latest developments show a clear strategy from OpenAI to evolve its ecosystem beyond a simple AI assistant and toward a platform with a significant social component. The introduction of user profiles, avatars, custom names, and direct messaging marks a major shift from a one-on-one tool for AI conversation to a shared space where users can interact directly with each other.
This evolution is part of a broader industry trend where tech companies are merging artificial intelligence with social dynamics to drive user engagement. By adopting features typical of social platforms like feeds, notifications, and private chats, OpenAI aims to increase the time users spend on its app and encourage new forms of interaction. At the same time, this pivot raises important questions regarding content moderation, security, privacy, and the management of potential misuse.
The Future A Hybrid Knowledge Engine and Social Network
Looking ahead, if OpenAI successfully integrates these social features, ChatGPT could become more than just a virtual assistant; it could be a digital hub for exchanging ideas, collaborating on projects, and creating content. The powerful combination of generative AI and social networking could pioneer a new model for online platforms—a hybrid between a knowledge engine and a social network—with a potentially massive impact on how online communities form and interact.
