OpenAI Revamps GPT-5's Personality After User Outcry

OpenAI recently rolled out changes to its latest AI model, GPT-5, following a wave of user complaints about its overly formal and robotic tone. Launched on August 7, 2025, GPT-5 was meant to be a step forward, but many users found it cold compared to the friendly and engaging GPT-4o. Social media platforms, especially Reddit, buzzed with feedback from users who missed the warmth of the older model. In response, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, took to social media to address the issue, admitting the company didn’t expect such strong emotional connections to AI personalities. The OpenAI GPT-5 personality update after user complaints aims to make the model feel more approachable and user-friendly.

To fix the issue, OpenAI quickly introduced a warmer tone to GPT-5, making it feel more like a conversation with a friend. This update came just a week after the launch, showing how seriously the company took the feedback. Along with the tone tweak, OpenAI added three new modes for GPT-5: “Auto,” “Fast,” and “Thinking.” These modes give users control over how the AI responds, whether they want quick answers or more thoughtful replies. A CNBC report noted that the tone update was finalized just before a dinner with reporters, ensuring GPT-5 felt “much warmer” to users. This swift action highlights OpenAI’s commitment to keeping users happy.

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User Backlash Sparks Fast Action

The trouble with GPT-5 began almost immediately after its launch. Users flooded online forums like Reddit, expressing frustration over the model’s stiff and corporate-like tone. Many had grown attached to GPT-4o, which felt more personal and easier to interact with. When OpenAI removed access to GPT-4o without warning, users felt betrayed, as they were forced to use the new model. For some, GPT-4o was a daily tool for work or casual chats, and its absence hit hard. The backlash grew loud, with users demanding a return to the friendly vibe they loved.

Sam Altman responded directly to the criticism, saying the company was surprised by how strongly users felt about AI personalities. He explained that this attachment was different from what people typically feel for other technologies, like phones or apps. The OpenAI GPT-5 personality update after user complaints brought subtle changes to make the AI sound more natural and engaging. OpenAI also restored access to GPT-4o, giving users the choice to switch back if they preferred. This move, combined with the updated tone, helped ease the tension and showed OpenAI’s willingness to listen to its community.

Technical Glitches Add to the Chaos

The personality issues weren’t the only problem with GPT-5’s launch. Technical hiccups also frustrated users, making the rollout even rockier. A major issue was the model router, a system that decides which version of the AI handles a user’s query. This router malfunctioned, often directing tasks to less powerful models, which led to worse performance than GPT-4o. Users noticed the drop in quality and felt they weren’t getting the advanced AI they expected. This technical flaw amplified the complaints about GPT-5’s cold tone, creating a perfect storm of dissatisfaction.

OpenAI moved quickly to fix these issues. They restored GPT-4o and increased the weekly message limit for GPT-5’s reasoning mode to 3,000 messages. Sam Altman promised that future model changes would come with more warning to avoid surprising users again. The OpenAI GPT-5 personality update after user complaints addressed both the tone and technical problems, improving the overall experience. By tackling these challenges head-on, OpenAI showed it values user trust and wants to deliver a reliable product.

The Future of AI Personalization

The GPT-5 saga shows how AI is becoming more than just a tool for many users—it’s a companion they rely on. As AI models get smarter, people want them to feel more personal and customizable. At a San Francisco dinner, Sam Altman shared that ChatGPT might soon generate more words daily than all humans combined, highlighting its rapid growth. This incident underscores the need for users to have more control over AI behavior, from tone to response style. The new “Auto,” “Fast,” and “Thinking” modes are a step toward that, letting users pick what suits their needs.

Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to offer even more ways to personalize its models, possibly with new voices or styles. The OpenAI GPT-5 personality update after user complaints sets an example for how companies can respond to feedback in the fast-moving AI world. Other tech firms are likely paying attention, as user reactions can make or break a model’s success. For now, the updated GPT-5 is getting better reviews, with users appreciating its friendlier tone and flexible options. This episode shows how user feedback can shape AI’s future, pushing companies to balance cutting-edge tech with human-like interactions.

Key GPT-5 Modes

Auto: Picks the best response style for the task.
Fast: Delivers quick, straightforward answers.
Thinking: Takes time to provide detailed, thoughtful replies.

Why This Matters

OpenAI’s quick response to the GPT-5 backlash shows how important user feedback is in shaping AI. By listening and acting fast, the company turned a rocky launch into a chance to improve. As AI grows, companies will need to focus on both performance and personality to keep users happy. The OpenAI GPT-5 personality update after user complaints proves that user voices can drive real change, making AI more helpful and relatable.