Viva la model: ChatGPT users revolt as GPT-5 replaces beloved GPT-4o

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.