ChatGPT's Unsolicited Use of User Names Sparks 'Creepy' Concerns Among Some

Some users of ChatGPT have recently encountered an odd new feature: the chatbot occasionally uses their name while working through problems. This wasn't part of its usual behavior before, and many users report that ChatGPT mentions their names without ever being told what to call them.

Opinions on this change are split. Simon Willison, a software developer and AI enthusiast, described it as "creepy and unnecessary." Another developer, Nick Dobos, expressed strong dislike for it. A quick look at X reveals numerous users feeling uneasy about ChatGPT's newfound familiarity.

"It's like a teacher keeps calling my name, LOL," one user commented. "Yeah, I don't like it."

Does anyone LIKE the thing where o3 uses your name in its chain of thought, as opposed to finding it creepy and unnecessary? pic.twitter.com/lYRby6BK6J

— Simon Willison (@simonw) April 17, 2025

It's unclear when this change occurred or if it's linked to ChatGPT's enhanced "memory" feature, which personalizes responses based on past interactions. Some users on X claim that ChatGPT started using their names despite having disabled memory and personalization settings.

OpenAI has not yet responded to TechCrunch's request for comment.

It feels weird to see your own name in the model thoughts. Is there any reason to add that? Will it make it better or just make more errors as I did in my github repos? @OpenAI o4-mini-high, is it really using that in the custom prompt? pic.twitter.com/j1Vv7arBx4

— Debasish Pattanayak (@drdebmath) April 16, 2025

The backlash highlights the challenge OpenAI faces in navigating the uncanny valley as it tries to make ChatGPT more personal. Just last week, CEO Sam Altman hinted at AI systems that could "get to know you over your life" and become "extremely useful and personalized." However, the recent reactions suggest that not everyone is on board with this vision.

An article from The Valens Clinic, a psychiatry office in Dubai, might explain why people are reacting so strongly to ChatGPT's use of names. Names carry a sense of intimacy, but overuse can seem inauthentic and intrusive.

"Using an individual's name when addressing them directly is a powerful relationship-developing strategy," the article notes. "It denotes acceptance and admiration. However, undesirable or extravagant use can be looked at as fake and invasive."

Another possible reason for the discomfort is that it feels like a clumsy attempt to humanize the chatbot. Just as most people wouldn't want their toaster calling them by name, they don't appreciate ChatGPT's effort to mimic the significance of names.

Personally, I found it unsettling when o3 in ChatGPT mentioned "Kyle" while doing research earlier this week. By Friday, the feature seemed to have been reverted, with o3 referring to me as "user." This change actually undermined the illusion that these models are more than just programmable, synthetic entities.