Explore ChatGPT's New Feature: Custom Instructions to Enhance User Experience

1. What's Custom Instructions?

Custom Instructions is a new feature that allows users to set preferences or requirements for ChatGPT to consider when generating responses. This means users no longer need to repeat their preferences or information in every conversation. For instance, a teacher creating a lesson plan no longer needs to repeat that they're teaching third-grade science. A developer preferring a non-Python language can state it once, and it's understood. For large families, the grocery list will automatically account for six servings.

Moreover, custom instructions can also help improve user interactions with plugins by sharing relevant information. For example, if a user specifies the city they live in within their instructions and uses a plugin that helps make restaurant reservations, the model might include the user's city when calling the plugin.

2. How to Use ChatGPT's Custom Instructions Feature？

To use the Custom Instructions feature of ChatGPT, users need to follow these steps:

On the web, users can click on their name, then go to Settings -> Beta features -> Opt into Custom instructions. 
On iOS, users can access this feature through Settings -> New Features -> Turn on Custom Instructions.

Once users input their responses, the changes will take effect starting with the next session. The company has stated that the limit for responses is 1,500 characters.

It's worth noting that OpenAI has stated that the information given to customize responses will be used to train its API models to adapt to different instructions. However, users can opt out of this setting through their data control settings.

3. What Impact Will Custom Instructions Bring?

The introduction of this new feature undoubtedly enhances the user experience of ChatGPT. Firstly, users no longer need to repeat their preferences or information in every conversation, saving time and effort. Secondly, through custom instructions, users can better control ChatGPT's responses, making them more suited to their needs. Additionally, custom instructions can help improve user interactions with plugins, enabling the plugins to better meet user needs.

However, the feature also presents some challenges. For instance, ChatGPT may not always interpret custom instructions perfectly, sometimes overlooking instructions or applying them when not intended. Furthermore, OpenAI needs to ensure that custom instructions are not used to generate responses that violate usage policies.

4. Final Words

The Custom Instructions feature of ChatGPT is a significant update that gives users more control and allows ChatGPT to better meet user needs.  Have you experienced this new feature? Currently, it is available in beta version for the ChatGPT Plus plan. However, if you are in the UK and EU, this feature is not yet available in these countries, but it is expected to expand to all users in the coming weeks. We also look forward to ChatGPT offering more features in the future to better serve its users.

We will continue to closely monitor updates from the ChatGPT team and promptly convey the latest information to users. Thank you for your support and understanding of our website.

Source: https://openai.com/blog/custom-instructions-for-chatgpt