TL;DR:
Let users mark key entries as Core Memories (so they’re protected and prioritized), and add a Smart Memory Mergetool to combine related entries. This would help prevent memory bloat, avoid the 100-entry cap, and make ChatGPT’s memory system more usable for real-world, long-term use.
Summary:
Introduce a Core Memories system and Smart Memory Merge functionality in ChatGPT to help users organize, protect, and consolidate critical information—especially for power users managing long-term projects, family context, or complex workflows.
Problem
ChatGPT’s current memory system is useful but limited:
- It treats all memory entries equally, even if some are foundational (like job details or medical context) and others are short-term.
- Users hit the 100-entry memory cap quickly, especially when multiple entries build up around the same topic.
- There’s no way to manually group, merge, or prioritize memories.
For users juggling work, family, tech, or health needs, this leads to memory overload, forced deletions, and lost context.
Proposed Features
1. Core Memories
Allow users to mark specific memory entries as “Core”, so they:
- Cannot be auto-deleted unless explicitly removed
- Are grouped together in a special “Core” section
- Can be prioritized for context retention
Example use case: remembering a child’s diagnosis, a job role, or a preferred communication style.
2. Smart Memory Merge
Add tools to help users consolidate similar or related memory entries:
- Manual merge option: Combine multiple entries into one
- AI-assisted suggestions: ChatGPT prompts users when similar entries accumulate (“You have 5 memories about your VPN setup. Merge them?”)
- Optional auto-merge for short, related entries over time
Example use case: multiple project updates, evolving tech setups, or weekly feedback loops—currently saved as separate entries—can become one evolving summary.
Benefits
- Avoids early memory cap for long-term users
- Keeps memory clean and organized without losing depth
- Gives users more control over what ChatGPT remembers
- Supports accessibility and executive functioning needs (esp. for ADHD or neurodiverse users)
- Reduces friction for users using memory for real work or family life logistics
Optional Bonus: Memory Dashboard UI
Include a new tab in settings for:
- Viewing Core vs. Standard memories
- Tagging and filtering memory by theme
- Merging and archiving memory entries
- Easily reviewing what ChatGPT knows
Closing Thought:
This feature would empower users to shape ChatGPT into a truly personalized partner—smart, organized, and capable of growing with them over time.