Customize ChatGPT 5 for a ChatGPT 4-like Experience

Despite grand expectations, the release of ChatGPT 5 has not garnered the enthusiastic reception that Sam Altman anticipated. In response to user feedback, OpenAI has now initiated a fresh strategy aimed at enhancing the personalization features of ChatGPT 5, with the intention of restoring some of the beloved qualities of ChatGPT 4o.

Revamping ChatGPT 5: Engaging Users with Personalization

Many users have taken to social media and forums to express their dissatisfaction with ChatGPT 5. They have articulated a preference for the intuitiveness and flexibility that ChatGPT 4o provided, showing little interest in the new personalities and customization options presented by the latest model.

A significant portion of users have opted to revert back to ChatGPT 4o, which is only accessible to premium subscribers. To address these concerns, OpenAI has introduced a new personalization page designed to consolidate various customization options. This new interface aims to make it straightforward for users to tailor ChatGPT 5 to their preferences, effectively allowing them to recreate the familiarity of ChatGPT 4o.

However, the initial response to this announcement has not been overwhelmingly positive. Many users feel frustrated at the prospect of navigating complex processes to access a version of the AI that resonates with them. As it stands, users can either customize their experience or seek alternatives if they are using the free version.

Exploring Personalization Features in ChatGPT 5

The steps to access personalization features remain consistent across both desktop and mobile platforms, though the following examples are provided using the desktop version.

To begin, log into your account and select your profile icon. From the dropdown menu, click on Personalization.

Within the personalization menu, users will find a variety of options, including personality types and custom instructions, allowing for extensive modifications to how ChatGPT 5 interacts with them.

Be sure to toggle on Enable customization in the Personalization settings, as this is essential for accessing all adjustments.

Selecting an Engaging Personality

The journey to personalize ChatGPT 5 begins with choosing a more appealing personality. Many users have found the default persona to be uninteresting and less engaging than ChatGPT 4o, contributing to their discontent.

Users can select from five distinct personality types:

Default
Cynic
Robot
Listener
Nerd

For a more collaborative and intriguing interaction, consider opting for either the Listener or Nerd personalities. These can be changed at any time, though note that alterations will only impact future conversations.

The Listener persona is especially effective for providing thoughtful responses, akin to conversing with a friend. On the other hand, the Nerd personality is perfect for those who enjoy enthusiastic discussions about intricate topics, serving as an eager companion during research.

Incorporating Personalized Instructions

While selecting a personality is crucial, it is only one aspect of fine-tuning ChatGPT 5. A common oversight among users is to confine their personalization efforts strictly to the chat window, which may lead to ChatGPT reverting to its default settings over time.

To effectively implement personalized instructions, navigate to the Personalization screen and utilize the Custom instructions option.

You can access a range of suggested instructions by clicking on the three dots next to the Custom instructions box which helps to add specific refinements easily.

Using ChatGPT 5's suggested custom instructions.

Keep in mind that if you remove any suggested entries, they will not reappear until you refresh the Personalization window. This method is particularly user-friendly, allowing for a mix-and-match approach that can help replicate the essence of ChatGPT 4o, even if it isn’t a perfect copy.

Crafting Custom Instructions

ChatGPT 5 offers robust personalization features beyond just adhering to suggested options. To create a tailored experience, compile a list of attributes you enjoyed from ChatGPT 4o—such as creativity, conversational style, and adaptability.

Utilize Notepad, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other text editing tool to formulate a comprehensive list of your personalized instructions. Bullet points can be useful for clarity. For inspiration, consider examining this detailed example from a Reddit user.

When inputting instructions, tailor them to your particular requirements. Users have found that ChatGPT 5 may not adapt as seamlessly as ChatGPT 4o, so specific guidance can be beneficial. For instance, a technical writer might specify, “Approach responses from the perspective of a technical writer.” Additionally, you can include your profession in the Occupation field to further refine interactions.

Adding custom instructions to personalized ChatGPT 5.

It’s crucial to remember that custom instructions apply to all future interactions and can be modified at any time. You are limited to 1, 500 characters, so ensure precision in your wording. Don’t forget to hit Save to apply these settings.

As of now, multiple sets of custom instructions aren’t supported, but users can consider these strategies:

Prefix different instruction types to aid ChatGPT in distinguishing them, such as using CIW for writing-related guidelines and CIR for research instructions.
Maintain a document containing all your various custom instruction sets for easy copying and pasting as necessary. Notion is a great tool for organization, which even offers offline access.
Create custom GPTs for premium users, each with its own unique set of instructions.

While customizing ChatGPT 5 to evoke the essence of ChatGPT 4o may require effort, implementing these personalization techniques enables all users, including those on free plans, to recapture some of the familiar characteristics that they miss.

To carry your personalizations into platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, simply link your accounts and engage with ChatGPT in your preferred messaging applications.

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