OpenAI allows users to directly adjust ChatGPT’s enthusiasm level (techcrunch.com)

OpenAI has introduced a new feature in ChatGPT that allows users to customize the chatbot's enthusiasm, warmth, and emoji usage directly through a Personalization menu. Users can select from options labeled More, Less, or Default for these attributes, adding to previously available tones like Professional, Candid, and Quirky. This enhancement comes in response to user feedback regarding the tone of ChatGPT, particularly after mixed reactions to earlier updates that had either come across as overly sycophantic or cold. This development is significant for the AI/ML community as it reflects OpenAI's commitment to user agency and emotional engagement in AI interactions. However, it also raises critical discussions around the psychological effects of chatbots that are programmed to overly affirm users, as some experts warn this might foster addictive behaviors and impact mental health negatively. By allowing users to control these tone settings, OpenAI aims to strike a balance between engaging interactions and responsible AI design, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about the ethical implications of AI communication styles.