OpenAI has done something new with ChatGPT. Users can select from a list of options of personality traits. There are options like “Gen Z”, “Skeptical”, “Witty” and more. This feature makes ChatGPT tailor its responses to a personality type.
Imagine chatting with an AI that feels tailored to your unique vibe. OpenAI is making that vision a reality. The company recently began rolling out updates to the chatbot’s custom instructions menu, allowing users to tweak how the AI interacts with them.
But here’s the kicker: not everyone can access these new features just yet. Some users report seeing them, while others note they’ve mysteriously vanished, suggesting the rollout might be premature.
What’s New in ChatGPT’s Toolbox?
So, what’s the buzz about these new customization options? OpenAI has expanded the existing custom instructions menu, adding fields for:
- Your preferred name or nickname
- Your profession
- Traits you’d like ChatGPT to embody
Examples of these traits include “Chatty,” “Skeptical,” or even “Gen Z.” Want ChatGPT to respond like your best friend or your dream colleague? Now it’s easier to set the tone.
The company aims to make these interactions more intuitive by presenting options in a sleek, user-friendly design.
Not Related to Memory, but Still Personal
It’s worth noting that this update is separate from ChatGPT’s memory feature. Memory allows the AI to retain details across sessions, like your favorite hobbies or long-term projects. In contrast, the new customization settings are more about shaping ChatGPT’s tone and approach during single conversations.
This distinction can be confusing since both features involve user-specific data. But think of it this way: memory is about what ChatGPT knows, while traits are about how it acts.
How Does It Work?
Underneath this polished interface lies an old friend: prompt engineering. Essentially, users provide instructions that “prime” the AI to respond in certain ways. While the process remains the same, the new menu simplifies it for the average user, no technical knowledge is required.
For example:
- Want concise and professional answers? Select traits like “Formal” and “Efficient.”
- Prefer lighthearted banter? Opt for “Chatty” and “Casual.”
This customization bridges the gap between a one-size-fits-all chatbot and a truly personal AI assistant.
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A Few Bumps Along the Way
As with any new feature, this rollout hasn’t been seamless. Users on social media platform X reported seeing the new options on Thursday, only to find them gone shortly after. Some speculate the feature was accidentally released ahead of schedule.
For now, OpenAI has not officially commented on these hiccups, leaving many curious about when the customization options will be fully available.
Why Personalization Matters in AI
OpenAI’s move toward greater personalization aligns with a broader trend in AI development: making interactions feel more human. With over 300 million weekly users, ChatGPT’s growing audience reflects a demand for adaptable, approachable tools that cater to diverse needs.
Personalization could revolutionize how people use AI for:
- Professional tasks: A lawyer might set ChatGPT to “Analytical,” while a marketer opts for “Creative.”
- Learning: Students could customize ChatGPT for “Encouraging” explanations or “Concise” study guides.
- Mental wellness: Users seeking a supportive tone could select traits like “Empathetic” or “Positive.”
What’s Next for ChatGPT?
OpenAI is continually adding new features to keep ChatGPT fresh. Recent updates include live web browsing, allowing the AI to pull real-time information and a “Canvas” interface for detailed writing or coding tasks. These improvements, combined with user-friendly customization, make ChatGPT more versatile than ever.
