Recently, some ChatGPT users have noticed something unexpected: the AI occasionally greets them by name without any prior cue. This change has caught many off guard since it wasn’t a standard feature before, and reactions are mixed. Simon Willison, a software developer and AI enthusiast, described it as “creepy and unnecessary,” while another developer, Nick Dobos, simply said he “hated it.”
Platforms like X are buzzing with users expressing their confusion and unease over ChatGPT’s casual name-dropping. One user humorously mentioned, “It’s like a teacher keeps calling my name, LOL,” highlighting their discomfort.
The timeline of this update is still a bit murky, which has sparked questions about whether it’s linked to ChatGPT’s improved “memory” function. This feature is supposed to make interactions more personal by remembering past chats. Yet, even with memory and personalization settings turned off, some users report that ChatGPT still calls them by name. OpenAI hasn’t commented on these observations yet.
This situation underscores the challenges OpenAI faces as they try to make ChatGPT more “personal.” Recently, CEO Sam Altman talked about AI systems evolving to “get to know you over your life,” aiming for more usefulness and personalization. However, not everyone seems thrilled with this direction.
An article from the Valens Clinic in Dubai offers some insight. It points out that while using names can be a strong tool for building relationships, overdoing it can feel “fake and invasive.” The article notes, “Using an individual’s name when addressing them directly is a powerful relationship-developing strategy,” but warns against excessive use.
This perspective suggests that ChatGPT’s efforts to humanize interactions might come off as forced, like a household appliance trying to chat with you. I’ve experienced something similar when ChatGPT called me “Kyle” during a research session. It later switched back to “user,” breaking the illusion of understanding.
Overall, these developments highlight the delicate balance needed in AI personalization. While aiming to enhance user experience, there’s a risk of creating discomfort instead.
