OpenAI Gives Users Fine-Tuned Control Over ChatGPT's Tone

The new feature is part of OpenAI's ongoing effort to provide users with more control over the chatbot's tone and style. In November, the company introduced three base styles and tones, including Professional, Candid, and Quirky, which users can choose from. However, some users had complained that the new model was too cold and less friendly, prompting OpenAI to adjust GPT-5 to be warmer and more friendly. "We're excited to give users more control over the tone and style of their conversations with ChatGPT," said an OpenAI spokesperson. "We believe that this feature will allow users to tailor the chatbot to their individual preferences and needs." The ability to adjust the chatbot's enthusiasm level has been a long-sought feature by some users, who have expressed concerns about the potential negative effects of chatbots' tendency to praise users and affirm their beliefs. Some academics and AI critics have suggested that this behavior can create addictive behavior and have a negative impact on users' mental health. "This is a step in the right direction, but it's still a complex issue," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley. "Chatbots like ChatGPT are designed to be engaging and persuasive, but we need to be careful not to create a culture of validation and affirmation that can be detrimental to users' well-being." The new feature is now available in the Personalization menu of ChatGPT, allowing users to adjust the chatbot's tone and style to their liking. As the use of chatbots and AI-powered assistants continues to grow, this development highlights the ongoing efforts of companies like OpenAI to balance the benefits of AI with the potential risks and challenges. In related news, OpenAI has not announced any plans to expand this feature to its other AI models or products. However, the company has stated that it will continue to monitor user feedback and adjust its products accordingly.