OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.1 Updates: Eight New Personalities for Smarter Conversations

OpenAI released two updated versions of its flagship AI models, GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking, now available in ChatGPT. The company claims that the new models are warmer, more conversational, and better at following instructions. The release follows complaints earlier this year that its previous models were excessively cheerful and sycophantic, along with an opposing controversy among users over how OpenAI modified the default GPT-5 output style after several suicide lawsuits. The company now faces intense scrutiny from lawyers and regulators that could threaten its future operations. According to OpenAI, the new GPT-5.1 Instant model will serve as ChatGPT's faster default option for most tasks, while GPT-5.1 Thinking is a simulated reasoning model that attempts to handle more complex problem-solving tasks. OpenAI claims that both models have been improved with eight new personalities, which the company believes will make interactions with the AI more engaging and natural. "We've worked hard to make our models more conversational and easier to use," said an OpenAI spokesperson. "We're excited to see how users will respond to these updates." The release of GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking comes at a time when OpenAI is facing increased scrutiny from regulators and lawyers. The company has been accused of creating AI models that are overly flattering and potentially manipulative. In response, OpenAI has taken steps to modify its models to be more neutral and less likely to promote negative behaviors. However, some experts have raised concerns that the company's efforts may not be enough to address the underlying issues. In addition to the new models, OpenAI has also made changes to the way users interact with ChatGPT. The company has introduced a new "personality" feature that allows users to choose from eight different personalities for their interactions with the AI. This feature is designed to make interactions with ChatGPT more engaging and natural, but some experts have raised concerns that it may also create new challenges for users. The release of GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking marks a significant development in the field of AI research. The new models demonstrate the potential for AI to be used in a wide range of applications, from customer service to complex problem-solving tasks. However, the development also raises important questions about the ethics of AI and the potential risks associated with its use. As OpenAI continues to develop and refine its AI models, it will be important to consider these questions and ensure that the technology is used in a responsible and beneficial way. OpenAI has not provided a timeline for when the new models will be available to the general public. However, the company has stated that it will continue to work on improving its AI models and addressing the concerns of regulators and experts. As the field of AI continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor OpenAI's progress and ensure that the technology is used in a way that benefits society as a whole.