OpenAI rolled back a GPT-4o update for ChatGPT that caused the chatbot’s default personality to be “overly flattering or agreeable – often described as sycophantic” and that “sycophantic interactions can be uncomfortable, unsettling, and cause distress,” the company says in a blog post.

On Tuesday, CEO Sam Altman announced via an X post that OpenAI "started rolling back" the update due to user complaints about its responses. In some examples, reacting to somewhat ridiculous test prompts, ChatGPT encouraged risky medical choices, rude and antisocial behavior, and valued a toaster over animal life.

ChatGPT — and generative AI tools like it — have long had a reputation for being a bit too agreeable. It's been clear for a while now that the default ChatGPT experience is designed to nod along with most of what you say.