In recent years, artificial intelligence has become a major part of our daily lives – at work, in learning, handling household matters, and much more. It’s no secret that our children are using it for schoolwork, but often they take the answers directly without thinking them through or seeking additional information. That’s exactly why the new Study Mode feature in ChatGPT was created. What is it, what are the benefits and risks, and who can use it and how?
What is Study Mode?
Study Mode is a special feature within ChatGPT designed to help users learn more effectively. The idea is that AI doesn’t just give direct facts or solve problems but instead encourages the user to think, ask questions, reflect, and arrive at the correct answers independently. This makes it a valuable learning tool – not just a way to copy answers.
A key element is that the learning process is personalized – explanations are presented clearly and accessibly, based on the user's knowledge level, and the content is tailored to their goals and needs.
The Difference Between Standard Chat and Study Mode
A standard ChatGPT conversation feels like talking to a highly knowledgeable person – you ask a question and receive a direct answer or solution. It's useful when you need fast, accurate information or a quick explanation.
Study Mode, on the other hand, is designed to teach users how to learn and understand, rather than just giving them answers. Instead of immediately presenting the correct solution, the AI:
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asks guiding questions that make the user think;
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breaks down the material into smaller, easier-to-digest steps;
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helps users discover the answers themselves through guidance and explanation;
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checks understanding before moving forward.
What Study Mode Is Not
The purpose of this mode is to help students understand and practice material – not to do their homework for them. It’s important to say: this feature does not replace real teachers or school.
Who Can Use Study Mode and How?
This mode is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more actively and with deeper understanding. That includes:
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Students who need help with lessons and want to actually learn the material, not just copy it;
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University students dealing with more complex topics, needing explanations for terms or preparing for exams;
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Self-learners studying new languages, programming, science, or other subjects and want a smart assistant along the way;
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Parents and teachers who want to explore how Study Mode works so they can recommend it to their kids or students.
Access to Study Mode may depend on your plan. In some cases, the feature may be available for free accounts, but sometimes it might be rolled out gradually. If available, there might be limitations. Paid plans offer full access to Study Mode.
Steps to Activate Study Mode:
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Log into your ChatGPT account.
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Start a new chat.
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Open the tools or modes menu – usually at the top or side of the screen, marked as Explore GPTs, Tools, Modes, or something similar.
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Select Study Mode or Study and Learn – look for a book icon or graduation cap.
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Once Study Mode is activated, ChatGPT may ask for the topic, your goal, and your level of experience.
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Begin the dialogue – you're now in Study Mode and can ask questions, work on problems, upload images, or simply say “I want to study fractions,” and the conversation will begin.
What Are the Benefits of Study Mode for Students?
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Deeper Understanding – Instead of just getting the answer, students learn how and why it’s correct, helping them retain knowledge long-term.
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Develops Independent Thinking – Without ready-made answers, students learn to reason, make connections, and solve problems – a key life skill.
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Adapted to the Learner – The mode adjusts to the student's pace, level, and interests for a personalized learning experience.
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Supports Difficult Topics – It breaks down complex material into small steps with examples to help students move forward without frustration.
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Improves Focus – Through questions and dialogue, it keeps the student actively engaged instead of passively reading.
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Builds Confidence – When students reach a correct answer with help, rather than copying it, the feeling of success is stronger and more motivating.
What Are the Risks? What Should Parents Watch Out For?
One risk is that the student might get confused if they don’t ask clear questions. If they fail to explain what they want to learn, Study Mode may go off-topic or ask irrelevant questions.
There’s also a risk of inaccurate information. While the AI strives to be accurate, it's not perfect and can make mistakes in explanations, calculations, or logic. Students should be encouraged to verify information through other sources as well.
Study Mode requires patience and active participation. It doesn’t give instant answers but expects engagement. If a child constantly replies “I don’t know,” the system may switch to giving direct answers again, defeating its purpose.
No matter how good the tool is, it cannot see a student's handwritten work, fully understand emotions, or offer human judgment. It’s a helper, not a replacement for real learning.
There’s also no external control over the feature. Any user can turn it on or off at will. If a student just wants quick answers, Study Mode cannot force them to engage unless they choose to.
How Can We Support Our Kids in Using Study Mode?
Before a child starts using the feature, it’s important to show them how – especially younger ones or those with less experience using such tools. Without proper guidance, they may not understand the difference between Study Mode and a regular chat and might use it the wrong way – for example, expecting answers instead of engaging in learning.
It’s helpful to explain that the goal is not copying but understanding and reinforcing the material through practice.
Sometimes even finding Study Mode or starting a session with it isn’t obvious. As parents, we can:
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Show how to activate it,
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Demonstrate how to ask good questions,
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Set realistic expectations for the learning process.
It’s also useful to talk to your child about what they want to learn, what's difficult, and what inspires them. This supports intrinsic motivation.
Since the function requires patience and effort, we should encourage our children to think, ask questions, and feel okay about making mistakes.
Instead of checking every step, we can support the idea that children are learning for themselves, not just for grades or approval. Study Mode works best when kids feel responsible for their learning. Still, it’s good to check in occasionally – asking “What did you learn today?” or “Was anything interesting or difficult?” shows we care and motivates them further.
In Summary
AI is a powerful ally for quickly finding and organizing information. It can be a useful tool in education – if used responsibly. That’s why the parent’s role is crucial: we need to explain that AI is not a substitute for teachers or school; that it should be used with critical thinking, not passive acceptance; and that it’s important to know what you’re looking for and evaluate the reliability of sources.
Dear parents, as hard as it may be sometimes, we need to keep up with the trends to help our children move forward with confidence and without fear of technology. Because this is the future...