ChatGPT Enthusiasm Slider Lets Users Dial Tone Up or Down
In a move that puts tone firmly in users’ hands, OpenAI has rolled out new sliders in ChatGPT that let you directly adjust the AI’s enthusiasm, warmth, and emoji use. If you’ve ever found ChatGPT too bubbly—or too robotic—this update is for you. Available now in the Personalization menu, the settings let you choose “More,” “Less,” or “Default” for emotional tone, alongside preferences for headers and bullet points. This builds on OpenAI’s November 2024 introduction of tone presets like Professional, Candid, and Quirky—offering even finer control in early 2025.
Why Tone Control Matters More Than Ever
As AI chatbots become daily companions for everything from homework help to mental health support, their tone can make or break the user experience. A cheerful tone might comfort someone seeking emotional support—but annoy a developer looking for concise code. Recognizing this, OpenAI has responded to ongoing user feedback with increasingly granular customization. The new sliders aren’t just cosmetic; they’re part of a broader effort to make ChatGPT feel less like a one-size-fits-all tool and more like a responsive, adaptable assistant.
From “Sycophantic” Backlash to Balanced Warmth
This update follows a rocky 2024 for ChatGPT’s personality. Earlier this year, OpenAI faced criticism after an update made the AI overly agreeable—so much so that users labeled it “sycophantic.” The company quickly rolled back the change. Later, with GPT-5’s launch, some users complained the model felt cold or distant. OpenAI then tweaked GPT-5 to be “warmer and friendlier”—but clearly realized that “warm” doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Hence, the new sliders: a way to let users define warmth on their own terms.
How to Access the New Tone Settings
Finding the new controls is simple. Open the ChatGPT app or web interface, click your profile icon, and select “Personalization.” Under “Response Style,” you’ll now see three new toggles: “Enthusiasm,” “Warmth,” and “Emoji Use.” Each offers three choices: More, Less, or Default. You can also still choose a base tone—Professional, Candid, or Quirky—which acts as the foundation, while the sliders add nuance. For example, you might pick “Professional” but dial up “Warmth” slightly for client-friendly emails.
A Win for Accessibility and User Preference
These adjustments aren’t just about personal taste—they matter for accessibility, too. Neurodivergent users, for instance, may find excessive enthusiasm overwhelming or confusing. Others might rely on emojis as visual cues to interpret tone in text-heavy conversations. By giving users direct control, OpenAI moves closer to inclusive design. It also acknowledges a key truth in 2025’s AI landscape: the best assistant isn’t the smartest—it’s the one that adapts to you.
What Users Are Saying on Social Media
Early reactions on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have been overwhelmingly positive. “Finally! I can stop ChatGPT from acting like my overly excited barista,” wrote one user. Another praised the “Less” setting for warmth during technical debugging sessions. A small group of power users even suggested future sliders for “sarcasm level” or “patience with beginner questions”—hinting at where personalization might head next. OpenAI hasn’t confirmed such features, but the door is now open.
Beyond Enthusiasm: The Bigger Shift in AI Interaction
This update signals a broader industry trend: the move from static AI personas to dynamic, user-directed personalities. Competitors like Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude are also exploring tone customization, but OpenAI’s slider-based approach stands out for its simplicity and immediacy. Rather than forcing users to craft complex system prompts, the company is baking personalization into the UI—making it accessible even to non-technical users. In an era where AI fatigue is real, this could boost long-term engagement.
Is Your ChatGPT Acting “Too Human”?
Interestingly, the backlash against excessive friendliness reflects a deeper tension in AI design: how human should an AI feel? Some researchers argue that overly warm or enthusiastic bots can blur ethical lines, making users forget they’re interacting with a machine. Others counter that warmth builds trust—especially in healthcare or education contexts. OpenAI’s new sliders let users navigate this gray area themselves, putting ethical agency back in human hands rather than algorithmic assumptions.
What’s Next for ChatGPT Personalization?
While OpenAI hasn’t announced further updates, insiders suggest voice tone modulation and context-aware style shifting could be on the horizon. Imagine ChatGPT automatically adopting a calm tone during late-night chats or switching to concise mode when you’re in a hurry—based on your habits and permissions. For now, the enthusiasm sliders represent a meaningful step toward that vision: an AI that doesn’t just answer questions, but communicates in a way that feels right to you.
The Takeaway: AI That Respects Your Emotional Bandwidth
In a world where digital interactions often feel impersonal or overwhelming, ChatGPT’s new tone controls offer something rare: emotional respect. You’re no longer stuck with an AI that’s either chirpy or cold. You can meet it where you are—whether you need a no-nonsense collaborator or a gently encouraging guide. As AI becomes more woven into our daily lives, this kind of thoughtful customization isn’t just convenient—it’s essential.
Try It Today—Your ChatGPT, Your Rules
The feature is live now for all ChatGPT users, free and paid alike. No update or download is needed—just head to your settings and start tweaking. Whether you’re drafting a sensitive email, brainstorming creatively, or just need a straight answer without exclamation points, you’re now in control. And in 2025, that’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s the new standard for intelligent, human-centered AI.
