tech
OpenAI walks a tricky tightrope with GPT-5.1’s eight new personalities
New controls attempt to please critics on both sides with a balance between bland and habit-forming.
TL;DR
- OpenAI released GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking for ChatGPT.
- New models offer eight preset personality styles, including Professional, Friendly, and Cynical.
- GPT-5.1 Instant is the faster default option, while GPT-5.1 Thinking is for complex problem-solving.
- Both models reportedly perform better on technical benchmarks like math and coding.
- OpenAI aims to balance user customization with safety, addressing concerns about unhealthy AI attachments.
- Personalization updates now apply immediately across all chats.
- Older GPT-5 models will remain available for paid subscribers for three months.
- The company is gradually rolling out the models, starting with paid subscribers.