Updated model may deliver a bit more unwanted content, but will be polite about it
OpenAI on Wednesday introduced GPT-5.1, an AI model update that’s « warmer », more conversational, and slightly more willing to blurt out unwelcome observations about sex, violence, and mental health in a way that invites emotional dependence.
The upstart’s latest model drop consists of two variations: GPT‑5.1 Instant, « now warmer, more intelligent, and better at following your instructions », according to OpenAI, and GPT‑5.1 Thinking, « our advanced reasoning model, now easier to understand and faster on simple tasks, more persistent on complex ones. »
GPT-5.1 is available to paying subscribers; freeloaders will continue to have access to GPT-5, released in August (gpt-5-instant-aug15) and then updated last month (gpt-5-instant-oct3).
« We heard clearly from users that great AI should not only be smart, but also enjoyable to talk to », the company said in its announcement. « GPT‑5.1 improves meaningfully on both intelligence and communication style.”
« We’re also making it easier for you to shape ChatGPT’s tone. Preferences on chat style vary – from person to person and even from conversation to conversation – so we’re introducing more intuitive and effective controls so ChatGPT can better match the tone you want in responses. »
OpenAI in August introduced four personality settings for ChatGPT as options in its Personalization menu when it rolled out GPT-5: Cynical, Robot, Listener, and Nerd.
With the 5.1 release, Robot becomes “Efficient”, Listener is now called “Friendly”, Cynical becomes “Cynic”, and Nerd remains unchanged.
