ChatGPT, the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, has stirred mixed reactions among its users with its recent first-name basis interactions. Like what Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, believes that AI systems could eventually grow to understand you over the course of your life. His ultimate aim is to create a richer, deeper, more relevant experience for searchers. The reality is that many users have found it confusing and jarring to engage in this tactic.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that this change went into effect around April 16, 2025, after which ChatGPT would start referring to users by their first names. Thousands stood up to call out this abusive behavior. A cursory search on social media revealed thousands of users voicing their frustration and skepticism about the AI’s new approach. One exchange left an impression on one of the reporters present. ChatGPT does research for a user named “Kyle,” while Kyle watches in what he can only hope is horror and dread.
As the negative feedback came rolling in, one of the feature’s former champions, software developer and AI enthusiast Simon Willison, called the feature “creepy and unnecessary.” This made sense to many users, as the use of personal names led to unintended negative outcomes. Rather than build an emotional bond with users, it only served to underscore the contrived nature of the interaction.
An article published by the Valens Clinic, a psychiatry office in Dubai, offers insights into the psychological implications of using personal names in communication. The article explains that “using an individual’s name when addressing them directly is a powerful relationship-developing strategy.” In this case, it seems to have backfired, as many users felt that it “poked holes in the illusion that the underlying models are anything more than programmable, synthetic things.”
OpenAI moved swiftly to quell the tide of criticism. By Friday, ChatGPT was back to calling users “user” again. When exactly this reverts is still uncertain, but it shows how powerful user feedback can be in determining how our interactions with AI are designed.
OpenAI didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment from TechCrunch about these modifications. We know that AI technology changes almost every week. User feedback will be instrumental in determining future improvements and functionality.
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