ChatGPT may be a little different now as OpenAI rolls out a new ‘warmer and friendlier’ update

OpenAI has shared that they've made their new GPT-5 AI model a bit “warmer and friendlier” after receiving feedback that it came off as too formal. The AI company mentions that while the tweaks are subtle, users should find the GPT-5-powered ChatGPT to be more approachable now. They’ve added some light compliments in the model, like “Good question” and “Great start,” but OpenAI assures us that GPT-5 isn’t any more sycophantic (you know, overly agreeable) than its predecessor. This update is being rolled out to all users and should wrap up in about a day. In the meantime, Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT, mentioned that users can further personalize ChatGPT’s personality using the Custom Instructions settings. He also teased some exciting new ways to customize ChatGPT’s personality based on user preferences. Notably, OpenAI offers the option to choose from four distinct personalities—Cynic, Robot, Listener, and Nerd—to shape GPT-5’s responses. However, this feature is currently only available to paying customers and isn’t part of the free version of the app. So, why did OpenAI feel the need to tweak GPT-5? OpenAI had high expectations for the GPT-5 launch, with CEO Sam Altman generating quite a buzz around the new AI model in recent months. But when it finally debuted last week, the reception was anything but warm. ChatGPT users voiced their concerns that GPT-5’s responses were shorter and seemed to lack the emotional depth that the previous model had. Just a few months back, OpenAI faced criticism for making GPT-4 too sycophantic, but this time, the new model was criticized for being almost the exact opposite. Another significant reason the GPT-5 launch didn’t go as planned was user frustration over the removal of all older AI models from ChatGPT. This not only disrupted many users' workflows but also limited usage for $20/month ChatGPT Plus subscribers, who were understandably upset and even threatened to cancel their subscriptions. OpenAI then increased the rate limits for ChatGPT Plus users, first for the standard model and later for the GPT-5 Thinking model as well. The company also brought back the model picker in ChatGPT to allow users to select which AI model should answer their queries.

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