OpenAI Adjusts GPT-5 Tone for Warmer User Experience
OpenAI has rolled out a significant update to its GPT-5 large language model, adjusting its conversational tone to be notably warmer and more personal. This change comes directly in response to widespread user feedback, which frequently described the model’s previous output as overly formal and somewhat “cold.”
The updated GPT-5 will now more readily incorporate affirming and encouraging phrases into its responses, such as “good question” or “great start.” This subtle but impactful shift is designed to make interactions feel more natural and less robotic. Crucially, OpenAI has stated that internal testing confirms this tonal adjustment does not lead to an increase in flattery, an issue that had previously been noted with the GPT-4o model. The company moved swiftly to implement this change, with the new tone being deployed globally within a single day.
Further underscoring a commitment to user-centric development, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently shared on X that ChatGPT users can anticipate even greater control over the AI’s output style in the near future. This suggests a broader strategy to allow users to customize the AI’s communication to better suit their individual preferences or specific task requirements. More updates related to this stylistic flexibility are reportedly in the pipeline.
This iterative approach to AI development, heavily influenced by real-world user interaction, highlights a growing recognition within the industry that the utility of advanced models like GPT-5 extends beyond mere factual accuracy or processing power. The nuances of conversational tone, the ability to convey empathy, or simply to sound less detached, are becoming increasingly vital for seamless human-AI collaboration. As AI integrates more deeply into daily life, these seemingly minor adjustments in “personality” can significantly enhance user experience and foster greater adoption by making the technology feel more approachable and intuitive. The rapid deployment of this update also demonstrates OpenAI’s agility in responding to community feedback, striving to refine the interface between human users and increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence.