OpenAI, the research organization behind the popular ChatGPT app, has announced a new feature that lets users set their own preferences and instructions for the AI to follow. The feature, called Custom Instructions, is currently available for Plus users in beta, and will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks, except for those in the EU and UK.
What are Custom Instructions?
Custom Instructions are a way for users to tell ChatGPT what they want it to know and how they want it to respond. Users can enter their instructions in a dedicated field, and ChatGPT will consider them for every conversation going forward. This means that users don’t have to repeat their information or requirements in every chat, and can enjoy more personalized and relevant interactions with the AI.
For example, a user who wants to practice speaking French can instruct ChatGPT to respond only in French and correct their mistakes. A user who wants to write a blog post can instruct ChatGPT to generate catchy headlines and bullet points. A user who wants to learn about astronomy can instruct ChatGPT to provide facts and trivia about the stars and planets.
Why are Custom Instructions useful?
Custom Instructions are useful because they give users more control and flexibility over how ChatGPT responds. Users can tailor ChatGPT to their specific needs and goals, and get more value out of the app. Custom Instructions also make ChatGPT more adaptable and versatile, as it can handle a wide range of requests and scenarios.
According to OpenAI, Custom Instructions are a response to user feedback about the friction of starting each ChatGPT conversation from scratch. The organization said that it has interacted with users from 22 countries, and learned about the importance of aligning AI behavior with diverse user contexts and individual needs.
How do Custom Instructions work?
Custom Instructions work by using natural language processing (NLP) and generative models to understand and follow the user’s instructions. ChatGPT uses OpenAI’s powerful GPT-3 technology, which can generate coherent and fluent text based on any input. ChatGPT also uses reinforcement learning to improve its responses over time, based on user feedback.
Users can enter their Custom Instructions in a simple and intuitive way, using natural language. They can also edit or delete their instructions at any time. ChatGPT will display a confirmation message when it has received the instructions, and will try its best to adhere to them. However, OpenAI warns that Custom Instructions are not perfect, and that users should still exercise caution and common sense when using ChatGPT.
What are some examples of Custom Instructions?
OpenAI has provided some examples of Custom Instructions on its website and Twitter account. Here are some of them:
- I work on science education programs for third-grade students. When discussing potential solutions for work-related items, present the information in a table format, outlining the pros and cons of each option—allowing for easier comparison and decision-making.
- I want to practice speaking Spanish. Please respond only in Spanish and correct any grammatical errors I make.
- I want to write an email to my boss about the progress of our project. Please use a formal tone and suggest some phrases I can use.
- I want to learn more about cryptocurrency. Please explain the basic concepts and terms in a simple way.
- I want to create a logo for my new business. Please generate some ideas and sketches based on the name and description of my business.
OpenAI said that Custom Instructions are one of the most requested features from its users, and that it hopes that they will enhance the user experience and satisfaction with ChatGPT.