OpenAI’s popular AI chatbot ChatGPT appears to be experimenting with a new feature dubbed “Study Together”, raising eyebrows and curiosity within the tech and education communities.

The feature, which has quietly surfaced for some ChatGPT subscribers, aims to reshape the platform’s role in online learning by promoting active engagement rather than passive consumption.

Several users have reported spotting Study Together as a selectable tool in the chatbot’s drop-down menu. While OpenAI has yet to make an official announcement, early accounts suggest the tool is designed to function more like a guided tutor than a traditional chatbot. Instead of directly answering prompts, it reportedly asks questions back, encouraging users to think critically — a possible nod to Google’s recently announced LearnLM initiative.

Notably, the mode may extend beyond one-on-one tutoring. Some speculate that OpenAI could be testing a multi-user environment, allowing students to participate in shared study sessions, potentially transforming ChatGPT into a collaborative study hub. However, no official details have been confirmed by the company.

When asked about the new feature, ChatGPT itself stated, “OpenAI hasn’t officially announced when or if Study Together will be available to all users — or if it will require ChatGPT Plus.” The company did not respond to multiple requests for further comment.

The feature arrives amid growing debates over ChatGPT’s impact on education. While many teachers have adopted the tool for planning lessons and generating ideas, critics argue that it has also become a shortcut for students seeking to bypass academic effort. In some academic circles, there are concerns that AI tools like ChatGPT could be eroding traditional learning structures.

Study Together may represent an attempt by OpenAI to shift the narrative — positioning ChatGPT as a facilitator of critical thinking and learning rather than a vehicle for academic dishonesty. Whether the initiative becomes a widely available feature remains to be seen.