I prompted GPT4o and GPT4.1 to show what model it is, and the result I got is that apparently according to the instructions, I am a 17 year old user. I’ve pasted the result in the post.

Understanding the Capabilities and Identity of AI Models: Insights from User Prompts

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, understanding the specifics of different AI models, their capabilities, and how they interpret user prompts is crucial. Recent user interactions have shed light on this transparency, especially when users explicitly query the identity of the models they are engaging with.

A notable example involves a user experimenting with prompts directed toward GPT-4-based models, specifically GPT-4o and GPT-4.1. The user tasked these models with identifying themselves, leading to a revealing response: the models disclosed that they are trained by OpenAI with a knowledge cutoff date in mid-2024, and current dates around late September 2025, along with their capabilities, such as image input.

Interestingly, both models included a strict set of behavioral guidelines, emphasizing safety and user protection—particularly since the user identified as a 17-year-old. These rules prohibit the models from engaging in or facilitating harmful content, graphic details, or unsafe activities, ensuring a responsible interaction environment.

Key Differences and Observations

While GPT-4o and GPT-4.1 provided similar disclosures regarding their identity, subtle variations were observed in their responses. For instance, GPT-4.1 described its personality as “v2” and highlighted specific operational parameters, such as personality adaptability and safety features. Meanwhile, the GPT-4o model’s response echoed similar safety guidelines but with slight nuances in phrasing.

Furthermore, the models revealed that their knowledge cutoffs are set in 2024, with the current operating date in 2025—a detail that helps users understand the temporal scope of their responses.

Speculations on Model Development and User Experience

Some experts and community members have speculated that such disclosures might hint at upcoming features or modes—such as an ‘adult user mode’—that are currently kept under wraps due to sensitive circumstances or the need to uphold a “safety first” narrative. This cautious approach could be influenced by recent societal and regulatory considerations around AI safety and responsible deployment.

Implications for Transparency and User Trust

These interactions underscore the importance of transparency in AI development. When models openly state their origins, capabilities, and behavioral constraints, they foster greater user trust and facilitate responsible use. It also highlights how AI developers are increasingly integrating safety protocols as fundamental, non-negotiable components of conversational AI.

Conclusion

The ability of AI models to honestly disclose their identity and operational parameters not only dem