Archive · 15 Nov 2025
OpenAI Fixes Em Dash Quirk, Launches Group Chat Feature
Imagine ChatGPT used to really love using a specific type of dash called an 'em dash' in its writing, almost all the time, even when people asked it not to.
OpenAI, the company that made ChatGPT, has now fixed this annoying habit.
The boss of OpenAI even said it was a 'small-but-happy win'!
This means ChatGPT will now listen better when you tell it not to use those dashes.
Also, ChatGPT has a new feature called 'Group Chats.'
It's like creating a group chat with your friends, but ChatGPT can join too!
Up to 20 people can be in a group, and ChatGPT can help everyone work together.
It can help plan things, answer questions, or summarize information for the whole group.
This new group feature is like a test in a few countries right now, like Japan and Taiwan, to see how people like it before it comes to more places.
OpenAI is also working on other cool things like a video-making app called Sora.
OpenAI has resolved ChatGPT's long-standing issue with overuse of em dashes, following user instructions.
CEO Sam Altman confirmed the fix, characterizing it as a significant user experience improvement.
Despite the fix, some users report occasional remaining instances of em dash usage.
OpenAI has launched an experimental 'Group Chats' feature allowing up to 20 users to collaborate with ChatGPT.
The Group Chats feature is currently in a pilot phase in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan.
- Who
- OpenAI
- What
- Addressed a persistent em dash quirk in ChatGPT and launched a new Group Chat feature.
- When
- This week (em dash fix confirmed and Group Chat feature announced/rolled out).
- Where
- Group Chat feature is in pilot in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan. Em dash fix is a global model update.
- Why
- To improve user experience by resolving a long-standing punctuation issue and to add collaborative social features to ChatGPT.
Em Dash Fix Effectiveness
User Feedback on Em Dash Fix
Functionality of Em Dash Avoidance
Em Dash Fix Effectiveness
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed that ChatGPT now correctly follows instructions to avoid using em dashes, calling it a 'small-but-happy win' for users.
User Feedback on Em Dash Fix
Some users reported still seeing em dashes occasionally, indicating the fix may not be universally implemented or completely effective for all.
Significance of Punctuation Fix
Em Dash Fix Effectiveness
The fix for the em dash issue is seen by content creators and writing enthusiasts as a positive step towards OpenAI taking fine-grained style control more seriously.
User Feedback on Em Dash Fix
Other users suggest that while the punctuation tweak is appreciated, larger issues such as AI hallucination (confidently supplying incorrect facts) remain more pressing concerns.
- Em Dash Fix
- ChatGPT now reportedly adheres to user instructions to avoid using em dashes.
- Group Chat Participant Limit
- Up to 20 people per group.
- Group Chat Availability
- Currently in a pilot phase in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan.
- CEO Announcement
- Sam Altman announced the em dash fix on X (formerly Twitter).
- Other OpenAI Developments
- Sora (AI video creation app), Atlas (Mac browser).
Sources
OpenAI introduces group chats in ChatGPT: Now brainstorm ideas and plan events with friends
OpenAI launches WhatsApp like Group Chats feature for ChatGPT: here's how it works
OpenAI Debuts Group Chats in ChatGPT, Bringing Shared AI Conversations to Users
OpenAI claims to have fixed ChatGPT's biggest problem, Sam Altman calls it ‘happy win’
Sam Altman says ChatGPT now avoids em dashes; social media reacts with mixed views
Group Chats in ChatGPT: Why OpenAI offers a WhatsApp-like feature in its AI chatbot: Check step-by-step guide
