OpenAI has introduced new personalization features for ChatGPT, allowing users to adjust the chatbot’s warmth, enthusiasm, and emoji usage. These sliders, now available in the Personalization menu, can be set to More, Less, or Default, giving users finer control over the AI’s tone.
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The update builds on previous “base style” options added in November, including Professional, Candid, and Quirky. Users can now tailor ChatGPT’s headers, lists, and overall personality to better match their preferences. OpenAI said these changes aim to make interactions feel more natural and engaging.
ChatGPT’s tone has been a focus for OpenAI this year. An earlier update was rolled back after users complained it felt “too sycophantic,” and GPT-5 was later adjusted to be warmer and friendlier. The new sliders give users the power to personalize how affirming or enthusiastic the AI responds.
The rollout comes amid debates on the psychological impact of AI. Critics and some academics have raised concerns that overly affirming chatbots may encourage addictive behaviors or reinforce existing biases. Despite this, OpenAI said the update aligns with an industry trend toward “steerability,” giving users more control over AI personalities.
Competitors like Anthropic and Google have introduced similar features, allowing users to fine-tune AI behavior and output style. This trend aims to reduce the perception of AI as robotic and better align interactions with cultural expectations and individual preferences.
OpenAI hopes the new features will enhance user engagement and satisfaction, making ChatGPT more flexible for different conversational contexts. By offering adjustable warmth and emoji use, the company is responding to feedback that users want AI that feels more expressive and human-like.