OpenAI has recently introduced a new feature for ChatGPT users that enables them to customize their instructions. This means that users no longer have to repeatedly provide the same instruction prompts to the chatbot during interactions. With this feature, users can share specific details or preferences that they would like ChatGPT to consider when generating responses.
For instance, a teacher can specify that they are teaching fourth-grade math, or a developer can mention their preferred programming language when seeking suggestions. Users can even specify personal details like family size, allowing ChatGPT to provide more tailored responses related to meal planning, grocery shopping, or vacation decisions.
While users already have the option to provide these instructions during their chat sessions, the introduction of custom instructions makes it easier to set the context consistently. This feature also works seamlessly with plugins, simplifying the process of suggesting restaurants or flights based on the user’s location.
OpenAI has stated that custom instructions are available for Plus plan users. However, this feature is not accessible to individuals based in the EU and the UK at the moment. It is currently in beta testing.
To try out this new feature on the web, users can click on their name and navigate to Settings > Beta features > Opt into Custom instructions. iOS users can access it through Settings > New Features > Turn on Custom Instructions.
It’s worth noting that OpenAI will utilize the information provided in the custom instructions to train its API models and enable them to adapt to different instructions effectively.
OpenAI has been working on this feature with selected users for some time. Noted consultant Gavriel Cohen mentioned on Twitter that ChatGPT provides users with two boxes to specify their chat preferences. These boxes allow users to share information about themselves and define the way they want the chatbot to respond.
Once users have entered their preferences, the changes will take effect in subsequent sessions. OpenAI has set a limit of 1,500 characters for responses.
In order to maintain safety and ensure that the responses generated by ChatGPT align with OpenAI’s policies, the company employs its moderation API to scan the customized instructions. ChatGPT may refuse to save or ignore instructions that result in harmful or hateful responses from the system.
Back in May, OpenAI introduced the ChatGPT app for iOS exclusively for users in the United States. However, the availability of the app was expanded to over 40 countries a few weeks after the announcement. Last month, OpenAI also launched an iPad app with support for Siri and Shortcuts. Moreover, the company added a feature allowing users to search the web for answers through Bing directly from the ChatGPT app.
With the introduction of custom instructions, OpenAI continues to enhance the user experience of ChatGPT, making it more personalized and accommodating to individual preferences.
