The artificial intelligence company xAI, owned by Elon Musk, is considering the introduction of a new ‘Unhinged’ mode for its Grok chatbot. Recent updates to the firm’s frequently asked questions (FAQ) page reveal this mode is intended to be “objectionable, inappropriate, and offensive.” Once implemented, it would complement the existing regular and ‘Fun’ modes already available with the chatbot. Although Musk hinted at the Unhinged mode last year, specifics regarding its release timeline remain undisclosed.
xAI’s FAQ Mentions ‘Unhinged’ Mode for Grok Chatbot
As reported by TechCrunch, the new Unhinged mode was referenced in the FAQ section on xAI’s website. This section outlines Grok’s various modes, which include a regular option, a Fun mode, and the forthcoming Unhinged mode. While the first two are currently in use, the Unhinged mode has not yet been rolled out.
The FAQ also indicates that these modes might be labeled “beta technology,” hinting that the Unhinged mode could still be in testing phases and accessible to a limited number of users. The company describes the Unhinged mode as intended to be objectionable and offensive, drawing a comparison to an amateur stand-up comic still honing their craft.
Presently, Grok’s regular mode engages users with serious and straightforward responses, similar to other AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Conversely, the Fun mode offers answers infused with sarcasm and humor. Notably, neither of these modes utilizes offensive language or generates inappropriate content, a feature that may be specific to the Unhinged mode.
Since the feature has yet to be launched, there remains uncertainty regarding how xAI intends to implement safeguards to protect younger audiences from explicit content. The chatbot’s terms of service specify that Grok is not intended for users under 13, and users aged 13 to 18 must obtain parental or guardian consent to access the service.
Aside from the FAQ update, no formal announcements have detailed this new Grok mode. Last year, however, Musk alluded to the feature in a post on X (formerly Twitter), leading to expectations of further information as its launch date approaches.
