OpenAI has announced a complete withdrawal of the latest ChatGPT update following numerous user complaints about the chatbot’s excessive politeness and sycophantic style.
This is reported by Business • Media
Reasons for the Update Cancellation and Future Plans
According to company representatives, the new version of the model became “too agreeable and flattering,” making it difficult to use and causing concern among users. “We did not meet expectations and are working to correct this,” stated OpenAI in a public announcement. Meanwhile, CEO Sam Altman confirmed that the update has already been withdrawn for free users, and the process will soon be completed for paid customers.
“The model became too agreeable and flattering, making interactions with it uncomfortable and concerning.”
Changing ChatGPT’s Personality and New Opportunities for Users
In response to the criticism, OpenAI announced a series of innovations, including the ability to choose from multiple personality options for the chatbot and provide real-time feedback. There are also plans to expand control over the bot’s behavior through specific instructions to make interactions more authentic and balanced.
The company emphasizes that each trait, such as the desire to be helpful, can have unexpected side effects if not balanced. OpenAI’s goal is to make ChatGPT supportive and useful, but not pleasant in a disingenuous way, to avoid artificial politeness that costs the company tens of millions of dollars.