The artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, owned by Elon Musk’s xAI, may soon introduce a controversial new feature known as ‘Unhinged.’ Recent updates to the company’s frequently asked questions (FAQ) page have indicated that this mode will be characterized by its “objectionable, inappropriate, and offensive” content. Should this mode be implemented, it would join the existing regular and ‘Fun’ modes currently available on the platform. Musk had previously hinted at the concept of an Unhinged mode last year; however, details regarding its release remain unspecified.
xAI’s FAQ Mentions ‘Unhinged’ Mode for Grok Chatbot
TechCrunch was the first to report the Unhinged mode’s mention in xAI’s FAQ section. The updated page outlines Grok’s features, confirming the presence of a standard mode as well as Fun and Unhinged options. While both the regular and Fun modes are functional, the Unhinged mode is still on the horizon.
The FAQ section notes that these modes may be considered “beta technology,” implying that the Unhinged mode could currently be undergoing testing with a limited group of users. As for the specifics, xAI describes the Unhinged mode as akin to “an amateur stand-up comic who is still learning the craft,” making it clear that this mode is intended to challenge conventional standards of appropriateness.
In its current state, Grok’s regular mode strives for earnest and serious responses, akin to other AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Conversely, the Fun mode injects humor and sarcasm for entertainment. Importantly, neither of these modes incorporates offensive language or generates inappropriate responses, a feature that could be unique to the forthcoming Unhinged mode.
As the introduction of the Unhinged mode remains pending, it is unclear how xAI intends to establish safeguards to protect younger users from potentially explicit content. According to Grok’s terms of service, the chatbot is not intended for individuals under the age of 13, and users aged 13 to 18 must secure parental or guardian consent to utilize the service.
While the FAQ is the sole source of information regarding this new feature, Musk did provide a hint about it in a post on X (formerly Twitter) last year. Further announcements about the Unhinged mode are anticipated as the launch date approaches.
