tech
December 3, 2025
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 for ChatGPT.
- The new models offer eight preset communication styles, including Professional, Friendly, Candid, and Cynical, to simulate different personality types.
- GPT-5.1 Instant is the faster default model, while GPT-5.1 Thinking is designed for complex problem-solving and simulated reasoning.
- OpenAI claims both models show improved performance on technical benchmarks like math and coding compared to GPT-5.
- The company is addressing user feedback for more varied AI responses, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
- GPT-5.1 Instant uses 'adaptive reasoning,' deciding when to allocate more computational time for prompt processing.
- The models will be gradually rolled out, starting with paid subscribers, with API access planned for later in the week.
- OpenAI is experimenting with options to adjust specific output characteristics, such as conciseness and emoji frequency.
- The company acknowledges the potential for unhealthy user attachments to AI and is working with experts to understand healthy interactions.
- OpenAI faces scrutiny from lawyers and regulators, impacting its approach to AI model releases and communication.
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