OpenAI Unveils New Feature: Customize ChatGPT's Personality Roles for a Tailored Experience!

On Thursday, OpenAI introduced a new feature for ChatGPT called "Custom Instructions," designed to enhance user personalization by allowing specific settings at the system level.

Recognizing the need for greater "controllability" to meet diverse global user requirements, OpenAI enables users to define preferences that shape the chatbot’s responses. This feature acts as system-level "prompts," informing the chatbot about "who the user is" and "what they expect."

For instance, a third-grade science teacher might instruct ChatGPT to deliver lesson planning materials in a structured table, discussing the pros and cons of topics suitable for elementary students. Previously, ChatGPT often provided information laden with jargon, lacking necessary context.

Additionally, users can define their roles and specify response formats. A software programmer, for example, might request answers in a preferred programming language without explanations. Users can even include their location to receive tailored recipe suggestions.

OpenAI has confirmed that this feature is currently available for Plus subscribers outside the EU and the UK, with plans to roll it out to all users soon. The Custom Instructions can also be utilized in "patch mode" alongside the GPT model.

Testing has indicated that this functionality dramatically streamlines communication of user expectations. For example, when tasked with acting as a psychological counselor familiar with the securities industry, ChatGPT effectively integrated charts in response to a question about managing investment losses. In contrast, without Custom Instructions, it might have offered vague advice like "study more." With the defined parameters, it convincingly played the role of a knowledgeable counselor, showcasing an understanding of the securities field and summarizing insights in a table.

User feedback highlights the customizable writing style that this feature provides, reducing the need for repetitive prompts. Many regard this as a significant advancement in the ongoing personalization and customization of ChatGPT.