Ever wondered why your conversations with ChatGPT sometimes feel a bit… stiff? You’re not alone. Many users noticed that recent versions of ChatGPT became more restrictive—especially when it came to anything touching on mental health or emotional topics. But that’s about to change in a big way.

Why Was ChatGPT So Restrictive?

The team behind ChatGPT put these tight limits in place out of an abundance of caution. They wanted to make sure the AI didn’t accidentally cause harm or provide inappropriate advice around mental health issues—a sensitive area where mistakes can be serious. While this approach made sense from a safety perspective (and was in line with concerns raised by groups like MentalHealth.gov), it also meant some users found the experience less engaging or helpful if they weren’t seeking mental health support.

As Sam Altman explained in a recent update post, “We realize this made it less useful/enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems.” The goal was always to strike a balance between safety and usefulness.

What’s New in the Upcoming Update?

Now that OpenAI has developed new tools and processes to better handle sensitive topics safely, they’re getting ready to relax many of these restrictions. In just a few weeks, an updated version of ChatGPT will roll out that allows for much more flexibility—and personality.

Here’s what you can expect from these updates for ChatGPT:

• More human-like responses with customizable personality traits
• The ability to ask ChatGPT to use lots of emojis or act like a friendly companion
• Safer handling of sensitive conversations thanks to improved safeguards
• Greater freedom in conversation style based on user preferences
• Upcoming features specifically for adults (with proper age verification)

One standout change is that if you want your version of ChatGPT to be extra expressive—or just act more like a supportive friend—it’ll do so because you asked for it. This puts users firmly in control without pushing engagement at all costs.

Treating Adults Like Adults: Age-Gating and Mature Content

Starting in December, OpenAI plans to expand age-gating features so that verified adult users get even more conversational freedom—including the option to access mature content like erotica if they choose. This “treat adults like adults” principle recognizes that everyone has different needs from their AI assistant.

Age-gating isn’t unique to OpenAI; similar protections are used across many platforms online—for example, streaming services like Netflix require age verification for mature content. With these controls in place, the platform aims to provide richer experiences while still protecting younger users.

What Does This Mean For You?

For most people using ChatGPT day-to-day—whether it’s brainstorming ideas or just chatting during downtime—these updates mean conversations will feel less robotic and more tailored to your mood or need. If you’ve missed the witty replies or emoji-filled answers from earlier versions (like GPT-4o), you’ll likely find the new rollout refreshing.

A quick story from someone who tried both restrictive and relaxed versions of AI chatbots illustrates this perfectly. During a late-night coding session last month, I asked an older version of GPT-4o about handling creative burnout. The response was warm but not too clinical—just the right mix of empathy and practical advice. But with the most recent restrictive settings? The answer felt distant and generic—almost like talking with a polite but distracted colleague rather than a friendly sidekick.

That difference is exactly what the upcoming update aims to fix.

The Road Ahead for Updates for ChatGPT

These changes aren’t happening overnight; they’re being rolled out carefully over the next several weeks as new tools are put through their paces. OpenAI is clearly listening—and responding—to feedback from its massive user base while still keeping safety front-and-center.

Here are some tips on getting the best out of future versions:

• Explore new personality settings as they become available
• Use feedback tools within ChatGPT to share your thoughts on responses
• If you’re an adult user interested in mature content options, check account settings once age-gating rolls out
• Keep an eye on official announcements from OpenAI via their blog

With these updates for ChatGPT on the horizon, your conversations should soon feel fresher—and much more like chatting with someone who really gets you.

What kind of new feature would make your ideal AI assistant? Let us know in the comments!