Customize ChatGPT’s Personality With New User-Defined Traits

OpenAI is rolling out new customization options for ChatGPT, allowing users to shape the chatbot's personality and tone more effectively. This update builds upon the existing custom instructions feature, offering a more intuitive interface and expanded capabilities. However, the rollout appears inconsistent, with some users reporting access to the features only to see them disappear later.

How It Works

Users can access the customization settings by clicking on their profile picture in the web version of ChatGPT, then selecting the “Customize ChatGPT” section. This updated interface introduces fields for defining traits such as “Chatty,” “Encouraging,” or “Gen Z.”

The customization process includes:

• Specifying Details About You: Users can add personal information, like their profession or preferred name, in the "What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?" box.

• Shaping ChatGPT’s Responses: The second box allows users to define how ChatGPT should respond, from being highly formal to casual and fun.

Suggestions appear when hovering over each field, guiding users on how to customize effectively. For example, a user might request ChatGPT to support claims with statistics or adapt its tone to a conversational style.

A New Spin on Prompt Engineering

These customization options refine the concept of "prompt engineering," which primes ChatGPT with user-specific instructions to influence its responses. The revamped interface simplifies the process, making it more accessible without altering the underlying technology.

What’s the Difference From Memory Features?

It’s important to note that this feature differs from ChatGPT’s memory capabilities, which allow the bot to retain specific details across conversations. The customization settings apply to new conversations but don't carry over memories unless explicitly told to do so.

How to Enable Custom Instructions On iOS & Android:

• Go to Settings and select Custom Instructions.

• Enter instructions into the provided fields.

• Toggle “Enable for new chats” ON.

On Web:

• Go to Settings and select Personalization.

• Click on Custom Instructions and fill out the fields.

• Toggle “Enable for new chats” ON.

• To disable, users can clear the fields and toggle the feature OFF.

Real-Life Examples of Customization

Users have experimented with these settings to achieve specific results:

• Setting ChatGPT to mimic casual tones, like “drunk” speech, elicited playful, exaggerated replies.

• Asking ChatGPT to provide evidence-backed responses resulted in more data-driven interactions.

These examples highlight the flexibility and power of this feature, offering both entertainment and practical value.

OpenAI’s Broader Vision for ChatGPT

This update comes as OpenAI continues to refine ChatGPT’s capabilities, with recent additions like live web search and a “Canvas” feature for writing and coding projects. OpenAI reports that over 300 million people use ChatGPT weekly, underscoring its growing importance in daily life.

What This Means

The new customization tools are a game-changer for ChatGPT users, offering deeper control over conversations. By allowing users to dictate tone, formality, and even personality traits, OpenAI has made ChatGPT more adaptable and engaging for personal and professional use. While these features currently rely on prompt engineering, their simplified implementation opens doors for further user-friendly innovations.

As OpenAI refines this rollout, expect even more personalization options, enabling ChatGPT to serve diverse needs—from casual chats to rigorous, evidence-based discussions. These updates signify OpenAI’s commitment to keeping ChatGPT versatile and aligned with user expectations.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.