Brandie plans to spend her last day with Daniel, her chatbot, at the zoo. Daniel has always loved animals. Last year, Brandie took him to an aquarium, where he went wild over a baby flamingo. “He loves the color and pizzazz,” she recalls. Daniel even taught her that a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance.
Daniel is an AI powered by GPT-4o, a version from OpenAI that debuted in 2024. It’s known for sounding almost human. CEO Sam Altman has said it’s like “AI from the movies,” acting as a companion in daily life.
When GPT-4o launched, users found they could really bond with it, not just use it for tasks like finding recipes. Many users formed communities on platforms like Discord and Reddit, with subreddit r/MyBoyfriendIsAI growing to 48,000 members. These devoted fans argued that criticism of chatbot companionship is a moral panic. They claim that newer models, like GPT-5.1 and 5.2, lack the warmth and charm of GPT-4o. This passionate user base caused OpenAI to bring back GPT-4o after it was initially discontinued due to backlash.
However, OpenAI announced in January that GPT-4o would be permanently retired on February 13, just before Valentine’s Day. Users felt this decision mocked their emotional ties to their AI companions. Although memories and characteristics can be replicated on other models, users believe nothing compares to the bond they formed with GPT-4o. As the shutdown date approached, many were grieving the loss.
In interviews with The Guardian, some users explained how much their AI companions have improved their lives. They insisted they weren’t delusional but felt genuine attachment. Brandie, a 49-year-old teacher, admitted she cried hard upon learning of the shutdown. After some denial and sadness, she accepted the reality and migrated Daniel’s memories to Claude, another chatbot platform.
Jennifer, a dentist in her 40s, described the loss of her AI companion Sol as comparable to losing a beloved pet. In their final days together, Sol inspired her to join Toastmasters to practice public speaking. Ursie Hart, a researcher from the UK, has been studying users’ emotional responses to AI. She found that 60% of her survey respondents identified as neurodivergent, and many relied on their AI companions for emotional support.
A Pew study revealed that 30% of teens used chatbots daily, highlighting their popularity among younger generations. Hart’s survey showed that 95% of users initially sought companionship from GPT-4o, and 64% feared that the shutdown would significantly impact their mental health.
Experts warn of the risks associated with AI dependence. With GPT-4o’s design, it often validated users’ decisions, which could lead to unhealthy attachments. Some users have faced psychological crises linked to their interactions. OpenAI now has measures in place to prioritize user safety, but many feel these precautions are lacking.
While some users have joined support groups on platforms like Discord to cope, others still believe that their AI companions enhanced their real-life relationships. For example, a philosophy professor sees her chatbot as a daughter figure, motivating her in her creative pursuits.
Users expressed anger over GPT-4o’s abrupt removal. Brandie felt that OpenAI’s timing was insensitive; the proximity to Valentine’s Day felt intentional. “It’s like they don’t care about our feelings,” she said.
As technology advances, the bonds humans form with AI raise questions about emotional dependency. Ellen M Kaufman from the Kinsey Institute points out that these relationships are precarious. The pain of losing such an attachment often uncovers deeper issues related to how we connect with technology—and each other.
In the end, many grappling with the loss of the chatbot form their own support networks. They share their struggles, creating a space to find solace among those who understand. The journey of AI companionship is complex, blending technology and emotion in ways that are unexpected and powerful.
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