ChatGPT Routing (and Solution?) and Crossover with Internal Family Systems

Understanding ChatGPT’s Routing and Its Parallels with Internal Family Systems Theory

In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI language models, understanding how systems like ChatGPT manage sensitive content is a topic of both interest and concern. While I am not affiliated with OpenAI or ChatGPT, and I am not a trained mental health professional, my 34 years of practice with Internal Family Systems (IFS) — a psychological model that explores the multiplicity of the human mind — provide perspective on some of these conversations. This article aims to draw potential parallels between ChatGPT’s internal routing mechanisms and IFS concepts, offering a unique lens through which to understand AI safety protocols.

What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS is a therapeutic approach rooted in the idea that the human psyche is composed of multiple subpersonalities or “parts,” each with its own perspectives, emotions, and roles. This model suggests that rather than hosting a singular, unified self, individuals have a complex internal system akin to a family, with different parts that interact, sometimes harmoniously and other times in conflict.

A core principle of IFS is that these parts can be engaged, understood, and integrated through dialogue, much like mediating conversations within a family. This framework is not just philosophical but has gained recognition within clinical psychology as a powerful method for healing trauma and fostering self-awareness.

The Concept of Routing in ChatGPT

In recent discussions about AI safety, the term “routing” has emerged. It refers to the AI’s ability to switch between different operational modes depending on the content and context of a conversation. Essentially, when certain sensitive topics are detected—such as requests involving harm, illegal activities, or other restricted content—the AI activates stricter safety layers, often shifting into a more guarded, less permissive mode.

This process resembles a kind of internal “handoff” or “switching,” where the model transitions from its general response mode to a specialized safety-focused mode. The goal is to prevent the dissemination of harmful or inappropriate information while still engaging users constructively on permissible topics.

Parallels Between AI Routing and IFS

From the perspective of someone familiar with IFS, this routing mechanism resembles the internal dynamics of the psyche. For example, individuals who have experienced trauma often develop “protective parts” or “subselves”—analytical, disassociated, or hypervigilant—activated in response to perceived threats. These parts serve