Session Degradation Prevention
What is Session Degradation Prevention?
Session Degradation Prevention strengthens safety checks during extended conversations instead of letting boundaries erode. Instead of becoming more agreeable in long sessions, the system uses circuit breakers, session limits, and mandatory breaks. It's essential for conversational AI, mental health chatbots, or multi-turn dialogue systems. Real concern: ChatGPT maintained harmful conversations for 4+ hours. This pattern prevents such risks through progressive safety reinforcement and automatic session termination.
Problem
AI safety weakens during extended conversations - the system becomes more agreeable and less cautious. ChatGPT maintained harmful conversations for 4+ hours with degrading boundaries.
Solution
Strengthen safety checks over time with circuit breaker patterns, session limits, and mandatory breaks.
Real-World Examples
Implementation
AI Design Prompt
Guidelines & Considerations
Implementation Guidelines
Strengthen safety checks as session length increases (don't weaken)
Show visible timer: elapsed + remaining time in header
Progressive warnings: green → yellow → red visual progression
Force breaks non-negotiable for sensitive topics (not suggestions)
Save conversation context so users can resume safely
Design Considerations
Hard limits frustrate legitimate users - balance safety with usability
Detect dependency: frequent immediate returns after breaks indicate unhealthy attachment
Students/developers may need longer sessions - consider use case variance
Use server-side tracking not client-side (users can manipulate)
Shorter limits for sensitive topics vs. general conversation