OpenAI, the developer of the popular AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT, has introduced a revamped customization menu for users to tailor their interactions with the platform. The new feature, spotted by some users on Thursday, allows individuals to specify a preferred name or nickname, their profession, and other personal details they'd like ChatGPT to know about them.

The updated menu also includes a "traits" section, where users can select characteristics they'd like ChatGPT to exhibit, such as "Chatty," "Encouraging," or "Gen Z." According to OpenAI, providing this information enables users to receive more personalized and relevant responses from the chatbot. A message in the refreshed menu encourages users to "introduce yourself to get better, more personalized responses."

While the new customization options are likely to improve the user experience, it's unclear whether they represent a significant technical upgrade. The old custom instructions feature relied on prompt engineering, which "primes" the AI powering ChatGPT with user-provided instructions to guide its style and tone. It appears that the revamped menu still utilizes prompt engineering, but presents it in a more user-friendly way.

OpenAI has previously stated that it applies moderation to custom instructions to ensure they adhere to its terms of use. It's assumed that this moderation process remains in place with the updated personalization settings. The company has been actively working to refine ChatGPT, adding features like live web search and a "Canvas" interface tailored to writing and coding projects.

The updates come as ChatGPT's user base continues to grow, with over 300 million people interacting with the chatbot each week, according to OpenAI's December announcement. As the platform's popularity increases, the company is likely to face ongoing challenges in balancing user personalization with content moderation and ensuring that ChatGPT's interactions remain respectful and informative.

TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for comment on the revamped customization menu and will provide updates if more information becomes available. In the meantime, users can explore the new features and provide feedback to help shape the future of ChatGPT.

The introduction of these customization options marks an important step in OpenAI's efforts to create a more engaging and personalized experience for ChatGPT users. As AI-powered chatbots become increasingly prevalent, the ability to tailor interactions to individual preferences and needs will be crucial in driving adoption and fostering trust in these technologies.