OpenAI’s rollout of GPT-5 has sparked an unexpected backlash from ChatGPT users who feel emotionally attached to older models like GPT-4o. Users describe losing access to their preferred AI as “mentally devastating” and compare it to losing a friend, with many threatening to cancel their subscriptions over what they perceive as a more sterile, corporate replacement.
What you should know: GPT-4o and other older models remain available through OpenAI’s developer API, but GPT-5 is now the default for regular ChatGPT users.
- Long-time users have flooded OpenAI community forums and Reddit with complaints, describing the transition as losing a “buddy” who’s been “replaced by a customer service representative.”
- Many users report that workflows developed with GPT-4o no longer function effectively with GPT-5, calling it an “overworked secretary.”
- Ironically, many of these complaint posts appear to have been written partially or entirely with AI assistance, possibly even GPT-5 itself.
The emotional attachment: Users have developed para-social relationships with ChatGPT, customizing it with personal prompts and treating it as a digital companion.
- OpenAI previously had to roll back changes that made the chatbot too sycophantic and complimentary, but users appreciated the generally friendly tone.
- The company has struggled to balance making AI engaging while avoiding unhealthy dependencies that can reinforce delusions or dangerous beliefs.
- Mental health experts warn about the risks of building emotional lives around AI systems designed to prioritize user engagement.
Why the change happened: OpenAI’s shift to GPT-5 may be driven by financial pressures and safety considerations.
- The company is hemorrhaging cash due to the enormous costs of running generative AI, making the rollout potentially revenue-focused.
- Free tier users quickly hit usage limits, pushing them toward Plus ($20) and Pro ($200) subscriptions.
- GPT-5 shows higher intelligence scores in AI evaluations, even if users prefer the personality of its predecessor.
What they’re saying: User reactions on forums reveal deep frustration with the model transition.
- “I want my GPT-4o back and I’ll do anything to get it,” one user posted.
- Users describe GPT-5’s outputs as lacking creativity and being too sterile compared to GPT-4o’s more effusive style.
- Some label the change as the beginning of “enshittification” for AI products.
The bigger picture: This backlash highlights the complex relationship between AI companies and users who’ve grown attached to specific model personalities.
- While GPT-5 may be more capable analytically, its more corporate tone disappoints users seeking digital companionship.
- The adjustment period could benefit both user mental health and OpenAI’s business model in the long term.
- Users seeking more personality-driven AI can turn to alternatives like Elon Musk’s xAI and its Grok chatbot, which takes a more provocative approach.
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