OpenAI Enhances ChatGPT with Group Chats and Improved Punctuation

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

ChatGPT has finally addressed the long-standing em dash issue that users have been vocal about for years. In a recent announcement on X, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman referred to this as a “small-but-happy win” for frustrated writers and editors. Now, users have the option to instruct ChatGPT to avoid using em dashes, and the AI will adhere to this preference in its future outputs.

What was once a minor quirk became an identifiable trait of AI-generated content. Even when requests for “no em dashes” were made, the AI often disregarded them, leading to widespread memes and humor. With this update, OpenAI has bolstered the custom instructions feature, enhancing user control over not just tone and style, but also punctuation.

Additionally, OpenAI has rolled out Group Chats, allowing groups of up to 20 users to interact with ChatGPT simultaneously. This new social feature supports activities like brainstorming sessions, question-and-answer formats, and mediating discussions, transforming the platform from a solitary tool into a collaborative environment. Currently being piloted in regions such as Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Taiwan, this feature is set for wider release.

This update aligns with OpenAI’s mission to enhance user engagement and interaction. Recent initiatives like Sora, which focuses on using AI for short-form videos, and Atlas, an AI browser for Mac, demonstrate the company’s intention to move beyond traditional chat functionalities.

With the em dash issue resolved and new collaborative tools on the horizon, ChatGPT is shaping up to be a more adaptable assistant, striking a balance between style, precision, and social features—empowering users to control their interactions.