Where the goblins came from

OpenAI Blog / 4/30/2026

💬 OpinionIdeas & Deep AnalysisModels & Research

Key Points

  • The article explains how “goblin” style outputs can propagate across AI models and create personality-driven quirks in behavior.
  • It provides a timeline of when and where these behaviors appeared in GPT-5-related outputs.
  • It analyzes the likely root cause(s) that allow such output patterns to spread and persist.
  • It outlines practical fixes or mitigations intended to reduce or prevent these quirks in future model behavior.
  • Overall, it frames the issue as an emergent behavior in model outputs rather than an isolated bug.
How goblin outputs spread in AI models: timeline, root cause, and fixes behind personality-driven quirks in GPT-5 behavior.