xAI, a company founded by Elon Musk, is reportedly planning to introduce a new ‘Unhinged’ mode for its AI chatbot, Grok. Recent updates to the company’s FAQ page have referenced this mode, which is characterized as “objectionable, inappropriate, and offensive.” Should this mode be implemented, it will complement the existing regular and ‘Fun’ modes offered by Grok. Musk initially hinted at the Unhinged mode last year, but specifics regarding its release remain unannounced.
xAI’s FAQ Highlights Upcoming ‘Unhinged’ Mode for Grok Chatbot
The Unhinged mode was first identified by TechCrunch and noted in the FAQ section of xAI’s website. This section outlines Grok’s various modes, including the standard and Fun options, both of which are currently operational. In contrast, the Unhinged mode is still in development.
The FAQ suggests that these modes may be “available as beta technology,” indicating that the Unhinged mode might currently be under evaluation with a limited number of users. The company describes the purpose of this mode by comparing it to an inexperienced stand-up comic, stating it is “intended to be objectionable, inappropriate, and offensive.”
In its regular mode, Grok offers straightforward answers, akin to other AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. The Fun mode, on the other hand, infuses humor and sarcasm into responses. Notably, neither of these existing modes features profanity or generates inappropriate content, which raises questions about the type of content the Unhinged mode may produce.
With the Unhinged feature not yet rolled out, there is uncertainty regarding the safety measures the company will employ to shield minors from any potentially explicit language. The chatbot’s terms of service state that Grok is not meant for users under 13, while those aged 13 to 18 must obtain parental or guardian consent to engage with the chatbot.
Besides the mention in the FAQ, there has been no formal communication from the company regarding the new mode. However, Musk previously teased the feature in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that further information may be forthcoming as the launch date approaches.
