ChatGPT personality settings are rolling out just in time for the holidays, answering a growing question from users: can the AI sound more human, or at least less robotic? OpenAI’s latest update introduces customizable “Characteristics” that let users tweak how ChatGPT communicates, from emotional warmth to emoji usage. The change aims to fix criticism around GPT-5’s perceived coldness while giving people more control over how responses feel. Instead of rewriting prompts, users can now adjust tone globally. This update is already live inside ChatGPT’s Personalization menu. It’s designed to make conversations feel more natural, or more professional, depending on preference. For many users, this marks a noticeable shift in everyday AI interactions.

ChatGPT Personality Settings Aim to Fix Cold Responses

OpenAI introduced these new controls as part of its end-of-year updates, focusing on personality rather than raw intelligence. Users can now adjust warmth, enthusiasm, emoji use, and formatting preferences like headers and lists. Each characteristic comes with three simple options: more, default, or less. While not as granular as sliders, the settings work instantly once changed. This approach keeps customization accessible to non-technical users. The goal is clear: make ChatGPT feel less like a corporate memo generator. For people frustrated by stiff replies, this update directly addresses that concern. It also reflects OpenAI’s growing focus on user experience, not just capability.

Where to Find the New ChatGPT Personalization Menu

All personality controls live inside the Personalization menu, accessible by clicking or tapping your profile name. From there, users can adjust the new Characteristics section alongside existing tone preferences. The interface is simple and intentionally limited, likely to avoid overwhelming users. Changes take effect immediately, making experimentation easy. Want fewer emojis or less structure in responses? One toggle handles it. This design choice favors speed over complexity. For mobile users especially, the streamlined layout improves usability. It also signals OpenAI’s push toward making ChatGPT feel more like a personal assistant than a static tool.

Mixing Warmth, Enthusiasm, and Tone Changes Everything

The real impact shows when these settings are combined with the existing “Base style and tone” options. Users can choose styles like Professional, Friendly, Quirky, Nerdy, or Cynical, then layer characteristics on top. Turning warmth and enthusiasm to maximum creates dramatically different responses. The AI shifts from neutral summaries to chatty, emotionally expressive replies. This flexibility allows ChatGPT to fit different contexts without changing prompts. Work emails, creative writing, or casual chats all benefit. The system reacts instantly, reinforcing the sense of control. It’s a subtle but meaningful evolution in how people interact with AI daily.

From HR Speak to Chaotic Bestie in Seconds

Testing the extremes reveals just how wide the personality range is. At one end, ChatGPT sounds like an HR representative delivering a polished update. At the other, it becomes an overly dramatic friend who leans into humor and emojis. This contrast highlights how much tone shapes perception, even when the content stays accurate. For users who value emotional engagement, the warmer settings feel more relatable. Others may prefer stripped-down, emoji-free responses. The key is choice. OpenAI is acknowledging that no single voice works for everyone. That recognition alone marks a shift in AI design philosophy.

Why Emoji and Formatting Controls Matter

While emoji and formatting may seem minor, they significantly affect readability and trust. Some users dislike emojis outside casual chats, especially in professional contexts. Others rely on lists and headers for clarity. The ability to reduce or enhance these elements helps ChatGPT adapt to different writing norms. This is particularly useful for journalists, developers, and business users. It also improves accessibility for readers who prefer clean text. By separating content quality from presentation style, OpenAI gives users more autonomy. Small changes like these can make AI outputs feel more intentional. Over time, that builds confidence in using ChatGPT for serious tasks.

What This Update Signals About OpenAI’s Direction

These personality settings suggest OpenAI is prioritizing long-term engagement over novelty. Instead of flashy features, the company is refining how ChatGPT fits into everyday life. Tone, warmth, and presentation directly influence trust and usability. This aligns with broader trends toward human-centered AI design. The update also supports Google Discover–friendly content creation, where voice consistency matters. For creators, it reduces friction when switching between audiences. For casual users, it simply makes conversations more enjoyable. Ultimately, this change shows that how AI speaks may matter as much as what it knows.