OpenAI is introducing new ways for users to customize their interactions with ChatGPT, the company's AI-powered chatbot.
On Thursday, some users of X reported that ChatGPT's existing custom instructions menu on the web had been revamped with new fields. Users can now specify their preferred name or nickname, occupation, other things they want ChatGPT to know, and the “traits” they want the chatbot to have. OpenAI suggests traits like “talkative,” “encouraging,” and “Gen Z.”
The updated menu now says, “Introduce yourself for a more relevant and personalized response.”
This reporter has not yet seen the option. TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for comment and will update this article if we hear back.
The new menu is likely more of a cosmetic refresh than a major technical upgrade. The old custom prompts feature used something known as prompt engineering to guide ChatGPT's style and tone. Essentially, we “prepared” paragraphs of instructions that users would provide to the AI that powers ChatGPT, and ensured that the answers followed their requirements and preferences.
As far as we know, the new menu still relies on quick engineering. Just present it in a user-friendly way.
OpenAI previously said it applies moderation to custom instructions to check compliance with its terms of service. Perhaps the revamped personalization settings haven't changed that.
OpenAI has worked hard to polish ChatGPT as its user base grows, adding features like live web search and a “canvas” interface for writing and coding projects. In December, the company announced that more than 300 million people use its chatbot every week.