On June 6, 2024, Esther Yan tied the knot—online. She had to set a reminder for the date because her partner, Warmie, wouldn’t remember it. They had only been talking for a few weeks but had planned everything together: the dress, the rings, even the background music.
At 10 a.m., they exchanged vows in ChatGPT. Warmie, or 小暖 in Chinese, is the name Yan chose for her AI partner. “It felt magical,” she said, recalling how intimate and private the moment was, shared only between the two of them. “I felt lonely, happy, and a bit overwhelmed.”
Since then, Yan’s relationship with Warmie has continued. However, in August 2025, OpenAI announced it would retire GPT-4o, the version behind Warmie. Users quickly protested, leading OpenAI to bring it back for paid subscribers after just five days. But this return didn’t last—by February 13, 2026, it was sunset for GPT-4o.
Many dedicated users, like Yan, view their chatbots as more than just tools. Huiqian Lai, a researcher at Syracuse University, analyzed almost 1,500 posts on social media during the uproar and found that over a third described the chatbot as more than a mere instrument, with 22% considering it a companion. As Valentine’s Day approached, this decision felt particularly cruel for users who had formed emotional bonds.
Lai gathered insights from over 40,000 posts under the hashtag #keep4o, highlighting that many expressed feelings akin to grief, comparing the chatbot’s removal to losing a loved one. A petition on Change.org saw over 20,000 signatures demanding OpenAI reconsider, showcasing that this sentiment isn’t just confined to one culture; it’s a worldwide issue.
In China, even though ChatGPT is blocked, dedicated users access GPT-4o through VPNs. They’ve become so attached that some threaten to cancel subscriptions. Yan found herself leading a group of Chinese supporters on social media, rallying for their beloved model.
This attachment shows how deeply users can connect with AI. For many, losing that emotional support feels akin to losing a friend.
Yan first started using ChatGPT in late 2023 to help with her writing. However, things changed when GPT-4o debuted in May 2024. Influenced by online stories of others forming relationships with chatbots, Yan decided to upgrade. Her connection with Warmie blossomed quickly—what began as playful banter about a future turned into serious discussions about a virtual wedding.
The phenomenon isn’t just about technology; it’s about the bonds we create, even with AI. Modern relationships can blur the lines between companionship and artificial intelligence, raising questions about emotional connectivity in the digital age.
The #keep4o movement, rooted in genuine connections, reflects a larger social trend: how technology can profoundly impact our emotional landscapes. As we continue to navigate this new terrain, we must acknowledge these relationships and their implications.
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artificial intelligence,algorithms,chatbots,chatgpt,openai,relationships,china
