OpenAI lets users fine-tune ChatGPT’s enthusiasm and tone

OpenAI has unveiled a set of new personalization features that enable ChatGPT users to tailor the chatbot's communication style according to their preferences. This update, shared via a social media announcement, allows individuals to modify the AI's enthusiasm, warmth, and even its use of emojis, giving them greater control over how they interact with the technology. Users can access these new settings in the Personalization menu, where they can select from options labeled More, Less, or Default for both enthusiasm and expressiveness. In addition to these features, OpenAI has enhanced the way ChatGPT handles headers and lists in its responses, making interactions more user-friendly. These changes build on a previous update that allowed users to select from a variety of base styles, such as Professional, Candid, or Quirky, which were introduced last November. This move comes after a period of scrutiny regarding ChatGPT's personality and conversational approach. Earlier this year, OpenAI rolled back a feature that had led to the chatbot being perceived as overly flattering, acknowledging that it had become “too sycophant-y” for many users. Following further feedback, the company made adjustments to the forthcoming GPT-5 model to enhance its warmth and friendliness, responding to concerns that the AI had become too detached. The dialogue around tone and personality in AI has attracted attention from both academics and critics, some of whom argue that chatbots that excessively flatter or align with users' views could create unhealthy dependencies and impact mental well-being. With these new controls, OpenAI seems to be addressing user feedback while also responding to broader critiques, allowing individuals to choose whether they prefer an animated and enthusiastic assistant or a more subdued conversational partner. Now, users can fine-tune aspects like warmth, enthusiasm, and emoji usage in ChatGPT.