OpenAI’s latest update to ChatGPT’s Voice Mode is all about making the AI feel more human — but without the interruptions that can make virtual assistants feel impatient or robotic. Announced by post-training researcher Manuka Stratta, the update brings a more natural, engaging, and concise tone to the voice model. Stratta highlighted that the goal was to create a more thoughtful, less intrusive AI that gives users room to gather their thoughts without feeling rushed. The demo video showcased the AI waiting through natural pauses in the conversation, responding only after the user finished speaking — a noticeable shift from the previous version that sometimes jumped in too soon.
The update isn’t limited to paid plans like Plus, Teams, or Business — even free-tier users now get access to this improved version of Voice Mode. For subscribers, though, the experience is enhanced even further with fewer interruptions and a smoother, more refined personality.
This rollout comes on the heels of a more serious revelation from a joint OpenAI and MIT Media Lab study. The research explored how people engage with ChatGPT and uncovered a growing divide among users. While most interactions were brief and productivity-driven, a subset of "power users" — those who interact with the AI extensively — reported increased feelings of loneliness and dependence. The study, based on millions of conversations and a survey of 4,000 participants, found that these heavy users exhibited lower levels of social interaction and a higher tendency to rely on the chatbot for emotional support.
It’s an interesting paradox: the very tool designed to boost productivity and efficiency is also raising concerns about overuse and emotional dependency. This update to Voice Mode, with its more patient and engaging personality, might make conversations feel even more realistic — but it’s unclear whether that will ease or exacerbate the emotional connections some users are forming with the AI.
Would you like to dive deeper into the study’s findings or see how this new Voice Mode compares to other AI assistants?
