ChatGPT Latest Update Lets Users Customize Its Personality, From 'Chatty' to 'Gen Z'

OpenAI has introduced an enhanced way to personalize interactions with ChatGPT, its AI-powered chatbot. Users on X reported updates to ChatGPT’s custom instructions menu, now featuring new fields for customization. You can specify your preferred name or nickname, profession, key details you’d like ChatGPT to know, and even the “traits” you want it to exhibit. OpenAI suggests traits like “Chatty,” “Encouraging,” and “Gen Z.”

This update is separate from ChatGPT’s memory feature, which allows you to tell it explicitly what to remember or forget. While memory can store personal details, it also extends to broader, conversation-relevant information.

A message in the updated menu encourages users to “introduce yourself to get better, more personalized responses.” The changes appear to be more of a design refresh than a technical overhaul. The earlier custom instructions relied on prompt engineering to shape ChatGPT’s tone and style by priming the AI with user-provided guidelines. This revamped menu builds on that foundation while offering a cleaner and more user-friendly experience.

Enhancing Personalization with ChatGPT While Maintaining Standards

The updated menu continues to rely on prompt engineering but now offers a more user-friendly design. OpenAI has previously stated that it moderates custom instructions to ensure they align with its terms of use, and this likely remains unchanged with the new settings.

As ChatGPT’s user base expands, OpenAI has focused on refining the experience. Recent updates include live web search and a “Canvas” interface designed for writing and coding tasks. In December, the company reported over 300 million weekly users, highlighting the growing demand for its chatbot.