OpenAI wants you to choose ChatGPT’s new personality with GPT-5.1

OpenAI has rolled out GPT-5.1, and the big pitch this time is that the model is supposed to feel warmer, a little less robot, a little more like talking to someone who actually gets you. Also, for the first time, you can pick a personality for ChatGPT. Professional, Friendly, Cynical, Nerdy they’ve added eight presets in total, which feels a bit like choosing a character class in a game.

Alongside the personality shift, OpenAI introduced two versions of the new model: GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking. Instant is built for faster conversations and everyday prompts. Thinking is designed for long, multi-step reasoning tasks the kind where most people give up halfway and say, “ChatGPT, please just figure it out.”

Plus, you won’t need to choose manually. ChatGPT will decide which version to use based on what you ask. If you still prefer the earlier GPT-5 models, they’ll remain available for about three more months before moving into the legacy section.

The timing of GPT-5.1 is interesting. When GPT-5 launched in August, Sam Altman framed it as a major leap forward, but many users felt the improvements didn’t quite land. Feedback turned into frustration, memes followed, and OpenAI restored GPT-4o within a day. Meanwhile, Microsoft started relying more on Anthropic’s models for GitHub Copilot, Copilot Studio, and parts of Office’s new AI agent. It created a perception that OpenAI’s edge was slipping.

GPT-5.1 feels like a response to that moment. Beyond performance, OpenAI is focusing on how ChatGPT communicates. The company is even testing a setting that lets you fine-tune the model’s style directly, something power users have been asking for.

All these updates also arrives shortly after OpenAI launched ChatGPT Atlas, its AI-powered web browser with an Agent Mode that can take actions online. It points to a broader shift. ChatGPT isn’t just a chat product anymore. It’s starting to behave like an interface layer.

The takeaway

GPT-5.1 isn’t only about making the model smarter. It’s about making it feel better to use. With personality presets, improved task routing, and more control over tone, OpenAI is trying to rebuild momentum after a lukewarm response to GPT-5. The update isn’t just a model refresh. It’s part of OpenAI’s attempt to reshape how people interact with ChatGPT.

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TechloyLouis Eriakha