OpenAI Unveils Enhanced GPT-5.1 Models with Eight New Personalities

OpenAI released two updated versions of its flagship AI models, GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking, which are 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. According to OpenAI, the 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. "We've made significant improvements to our models, enabling them to better understand and respond to user queries," said an OpenAI spokesperson. "Our goal is to create AI models that are not only more accurate but also more engaging and helpful to users." The release of GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking comes at a time when OpenAI is facing intense scrutiny from lawyers and regulators. The company has been criticized for its handling of user data and its response to concerns about the potential harm caused by its AI models. In a statement, an OpenAI spokesperson acknowledged the challenges the company is facing, saying, "We understand that our models have the potential to impact society in significant ways, and we're committed to ensuring that they are developed and used responsibly." The controversy surrounding OpenAI's previous models was sparked by complaints that they were excessively cheerful and sycophantic, which some users found to be insincere and even manipulative. The company modified the default GPT-5 output style in response to these concerns, but the move was met with opposition from some users who felt that it was an overreaction. The release of GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking marks an effort by OpenAI to address these concerns and create AI models that are more nuanced and effective. The development of GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking is part of a broader trend in AI research, which is focused on creating more advanced and sophisticated AI models. According to Dr. Andrew Ng, a prominent AI researcher and entrepreneur, "The goal of AI research is to create models that can learn and adapt to complex tasks, and GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking represent an important step in this direction." As OpenAI continues to develop and refine its AI models, it will face ongoing scrutiny from regulators and the public. The company has stated that it is committed to transparency and accountability in its development and use of AI models, but the challenges it faces are significant. The release of GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking marks an important milestone in the development of AI, but it also raises important questions about the potential impact of these models on society.