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, updated versions of its AI models available in ChatGPT.
- The new models feature eight preset communication styles (e.g., Professional, Friendly, Candid) to simulate different personalities.
- GPT-5.1 Instant is the faster default option, while GPT-5.1 Thinking handles complex problem-solving.
- OpenAI claims improved performance on technical benchmarks like math and coding.
- Personalization settings allow adjustments to response conciseness and emoji frequency, taking effect immediately across all chats.
- The company is experimenting with further user control over specific output characteristics.
- OpenAI acknowledges the tension between personalization and avoiding reinforcement of user worldviews or harmful attachments.
- Safety research and collaboration with experts are ongoing to address potential unhealthy user attachments to AI chatbots.
- GPT-5.1 models will be gradually rolled out, starting with paid subscribers, and will be available via API.
- Older GPT-5 models will remain accessible for paid subscribers for three months.