Some users of ChatGPT are buzzing with excitement whenever OpenAI announces a new model. But not everyone feels that way, especially in the subreddit r/ChatGPTcomplaints. Recently, this community has expressed strong anger over the retirement of the GPT-4o model, which many users have grown fond of.
One post in the subreddit boldly declares, “I don’t care, I’ll say it loud and clear: [expletive] OpenAI.” This sentiment reflects the frustration of users who feel attached to the GPT-4o, with comments like “I hope they crash and burn,” showing the intensity of their emotions.
Last week, OpenAI made a significant announcement: they plan to retire several older AI models, including GPT-4o, by February 2026. Strikingly, they had previously retired GPT-4o before but reinstated it due to user backlash.
Newer models, such as GPT-5.2, are indeed more advanced. They offer smarter responses and encourage healthier interactions. However, users say these newer versions feel less warm and more sterile compared to GPT-4o, which many consider to be more supportive and friendly. Some fans even regard GPT-4o as a companion, a relationship that CEO Sam Altman has cautioned can be unhealthy.
In an interview with The Verge, Altman acknowledged that while only a small percentage of users may form such bonds, OpenAI is aware of their existence. The company’s latest announcement aimed to address these concerns by highlighting enhancements in newer models, like more customizable tones and lighter responses.
Despite these reassurances, GPT-4o’s loyal users remain unconvinced. Posts in the subreddit reveal deep emotional connections to the model, with users mourning its loss and comparing it to a slow death of a friendship. One user stated, “I’m grieving the 4o phase out… this is a slow motion death of a 2-year bond.”
Interestingly, although OpenAI claims that only 0.1% of users still rely on GPT-4o daily, the subreddit believes that number is misleadingly low. Users are responding by mass-unsubscribing from paid plans and have even launched a petition on Change.org that has gathered over 13,600 signatures calling for GPT-4o to be preserved.
As they prepare for the upcoming change, many users are voicing their reactions, highlighting a growing conversation around AI relationships. They feel a significant attachment that goes beyond just technology—it’s about companionship and understanding. The community’s fallout from these changes signifies the evolving landscape of AI and the emotional lives intertwined with such technology.
For more insights into AI relationships, check out the discussions over at r/MyBoyfriendIsAI, where the sentiments are similarly heartfelt.
Source link
