OpenAI has introduced a feature to enhance the customization of ChatGPT, its widely used AI chatbot. This update enables users to personalize interactions by assigning traits, nicknames, and other details that better align the chatbot’s responses with individual preferences.

Some users noticed changes in the custom instructions menu on ChatGPT’s web interface, allowing options such as profession, preferred nickname, and personality traits like "Chatty," "Encouraging," or "Gen Z." The feature aims to create more engaging and relevant interactions tailored to user preferences.

It’s important to note that this update is separate from ChatGPT’s memory function, which stores or forgets specific information upon request. The personalization traits work by utilizing prompt engineering, which adjusts the chatbot’s tone and style based on user-provided input.

“Introduce yourself to get better, more personalized responses,” reads the updated instructions. The feature appears to be more about refining user experience than a deep technical upgrade, as the core mechanism remains prompt engineering.

Reports from users on X indicate that these features might have been released prematurely, as they were temporarily available but later disappeared. OpenAI has not yet clarified the situation but has previously stated that all custom instructions undergo moderation to comply with its usage policies.

This change reflects OpenAI's broader efforts to refine ChatGPT as the user base continues to grow, with more than 300 million weekly users as of December. Features like live web search and the "Canvas" interface for writing and coding were also introduced recently. OpenAI is focused on enhancing accessibility and functionality to cater to both individual users and professionals.

SOURCE: TECHCRUNCH | PHOTO: