How can ChatGPT address me by my name without having ever...
Internet users working with the ChatGPT bot have reported in recent weeks that the chatbot has begun referring to them by name — even when they have never provided it. This unexpected behavior has sparked curiosity and concern, especially since it marks a shift from previous default interactions where the AI typically didn’t use names unless prompted.
The change appears to coincide with OpenAI’s expanded “memory” feature, according to an article by TechCrunch, which allows ChatGPT to personalize responses based on past conversations. However, several users claim that the bot used their names despite them disabling memory and personalization settings.
Reactions to personalized AI
Reactions to this development have been mixed. While some see it as a step toward more personalized AI, others find it unsettling. The incident highlights a broader challenge for OpenAI: the "uncanny valley" effect, where attempts to make AI feel more human can sometimes feel uncomfortable or even invasive.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently spoke about future AI systems that could "get to know you over your life" in order to offer deeply personalized assistance. But the current backlash suggests that many users aren’t ready for this level of familiarity — especially if it comes without explanation or consent.
Psychiatric perspective on personalized AI
A psychiatrics office based in Dubai has commented on this development, striving to explain why this creates an unease feeling. According to the Valens Clinic, names are powerful tools in human relationships, often associated with intimacy, acceptance, and admiration. But when overused or used inappropriately — particularly by something non-human — it can come off as fake or intrusive.
For some users, ChatGPT using their name feels like an awkward attempt to humanize a tool that, at its core, is still just software. Just as one wouldn't expect their toaster to address them by name, many users are uncomfortable with an AI chatbot doing so, especially when it breaks the illusion of intelligent, meaningful interaction.
