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In recent times, ChatGPT has incorporated several app integrations, personalised morning briefings, among other innovations, which stemmed from feedbacks and suggestions based on users’ experience. TechPolyp observes that the recent adjustment to the ChatGPT’s em dash is another product of users’ recommendation, rightly so.
For the record, ChatGPT’s em dash habit has generated several lively debates across many online platforms. Many individuals have spotted the mark in school work, emails, comments, social media posts, service chats, and countless posts. In addition, some people now treat it as a clear sign that a chatbot shaped the writing. Conversely, others defend the ChatGPT’s em dash and say they used the symbol long before any tool adopted it. However, this stands as an unwanted stamp that draws unfair suspicion on honest writers.
In the past, users who disliked the symbol tried to remove it by giving direct instructions. They would ask repeatedly, but the tool kept slipping the mark into sentences. Consequently, this became a steady complaint that spread across communities and created jokes and criticism. Many writers have opined that they felt forced to defend their style, while some blamed the machine for spoiling the punctuation’s reputation. In the same vein, the issue raised questions about how much control users truly had over tone and formatting.
Forging ahead, OpenAI faced the ChatGPT’s em dash concern for months as the feedback piled up in public threads. Some users believed the tool refused to adjust because of a deeper design flaw. Others felt the symbol had become part of a predictable writing rhythm. However, the company finally announced progress this week.
ChatGPT’s Em Dash Fix Now Gives Users More Control
According to Sam Altman who posted a short note on X to confirm the change, he said the system will now follow the user’s request when they instruct it to avoid the symbol. He addressed the ChatGPT’s em dash update as a small but meaningful step. It’s noteworthy that this message brought relief to many readers who had asked for this change since early last year.
Going by OpenAI’s subsequent post on Threads, it explained that the ChatGPT’s em dash’s fix depends on personal settings found in the custom instruction menu. Users can set their style rules there, including the request to avoid the symbol entirely. The company noted that the tool will not remove the mark by default. Instead, the system will respond better to direct guidance from each user. This approach keeps flexibility for those who still prefer using the punctuation.
The update may also ease tension for people who rely on clean formatting for work. It may help teachers who need consistent writing from students. Additionally, brand teams and editors may also appreciate better control over tone. However, it’s evident the debate will continue, but users now have a clearer path to manage ChatGPT’s em dash output.
