TITLE: OpenAI lets ChatGPT users adjust AI's warmth, enthusiasm

OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Personality Customization

OpenAI announced an update to its ChatGPT platform on Friday, allowing users to fine-tune the AI's personality traits for more personalized interactions. The changes, accessible via the mobile app, enable adjustments to the chatbot's warmth and enthusiasm levels, responding to user feedback on the AI's default tone.

The update introduces sliders for warmth and enthusiasm, where users can opt for 'more,' 'less,' or the standard setting. This feature aims to make conversations feel more tailored, whether users prefer a more engaging or subdued AI companion. Additional toggles control the frequency of emojis, headers and lists in responses, giving users greater control over output formatting.

To access these settings, users tap the menu in the top left corner of the ChatGPT app, select their profile, navigate to Personalization and choose Add Characteristics. Here, they can also select predefined personalities, such as quirky, professional, friendly or cynical, to further shape the AI's demeanor.

Enhancements to Email Drafting and Editing

Alongside personality tweaks, OpenAI has improved ChatGPT's utility for email composition. Previously, users had to describe changes in separate prompts, but the new version allows direct editing and formatting within the chat interface. Users can now highlight specific text segments and request modifications, streamlining the revision process.

This update reduces the need for multiple back-and-forth messages, making ChatGPT a more efficient tool for professional communication. For instance, a user drafting a business email can bold key phrases or rephrase sentences on the fly without restarting the conversation.

The enhancements build on ChatGPT's existing capabilities, which have evolved since its launch in late 2022. OpenAI continues to iterate based on user data, with millions of daily interactions informing these refinements. The company has not specified if the features will extend to the web version immediately, but app users gain access first.

Broader Implications for AI Interaction

These updates reflect a growing trend in AI development toward greater user agency. As chatbots like ChatGPT integrate into daily workflows—from casual queries to professional tasks—customization options help mitigate concerns over overly generic or impersonal responses. Experts note that adjustable tones could improve user satisfaction and reduce frustration in prolonged sessions.

OpenAI's move comes amid intense competition in the generative AI space. Rivals like Anthropic's Claude and Google's Gemini also offer varying interaction styles, but ChatGPT's widespread adoption—boasting over 100 million weekly users—positions it as a benchmark. The personality features may encourage deeper engagement, potentially boosting retention for OpenAI's premium subscriptions, which start at $20 per month.

Privacy considerations remain paramount. All customizations are stored per user account, with OpenAI emphasizing data security in its personalization tools. Users can reset preferences at any time, ensuring flexibility.

Rollout and Availability

The update began rolling out on December 19, 2025, initially to iOS and Android app users. OpenAI typically phases in features to monitor performance and gather feedback. No timeline has been provided for desktop integration, though past updates suggest it follows shortly after mobile deployment.

This is part of OpenAI's ongoing efforts to make ChatGPT more versatile. Recent additions include image generation and voice mode, underscoring the platform's expansion beyond text-based queries. As AI tools become staples in productivity suites, such refinements highlight the balance between innovation and usability.

In related developments, OpenAI faces regulatory scrutiny over data practices and AI safety, but these user-facing updates focus on enhancing everyday functionality without altering core algorithms.