OpenAI’s recent rollout of GPT-5 has sparked a wave of user discontent, prompting the company to reverse course and reinstate access to the beloved GPT-4o model for paid subscribers. This decision comes amid widespread complaints that the new model lacks the personality and reliability of its predecessor, highlighting the unpredictable nature of AI advancements and user attachments.

Just days after launching GPT-5, which was intended to consolidate and improve upon previous models, OpenAI faced backlash from users who reported diminished performance in areas like coding, instruction-following, and conversational flair. Posts on platforms like Reddit and X revealed a chorus of frustration, with some users canceling subscriptions and others describing GPT-5 as “dumber” than GPT-4o.

User Backlash and Emotional Ties

Industry observers note that this isn’t the first time OpenAI has encountered pushback over model changes. According to a report from PCMag, users have complained that GPT-5 feels inferior, leading to subscription cancellations. One user on the OpenAI Developer Community forum expressed deep emotional attachment to GPT-4o, viewing it as more than a tool but a consistent companion after over a year of daily interactions.

The phenomenon underscores a growing trend where users form parasocial relationships with AI models, treating them like friends or confidants. Futurism, in a piece titled “OpenAI Bringing Back More Parasocial Version of ChatGPT”, highlighted how fans “freaked out” when older models were hidden, emphasizing the human-like bonds formed with specific AI personalities.

OpenAI’s Response and Strategic Pivot

In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed via X that GPT-4o would return as an option for ChatGPT Plus users. This move, detailed in a TechRadar article, addresses the outcry by allowing paid tiers to manually select models, including the reinstated GPT-4o. However, free users remain limited to GPT-5, creating a tiered access system that could exacerbate divides between subscriber levels.

Altman’s acknowledgment came during a Reddit AMA where users demanded the ability to switch back, as reported by the Indian Express in their coverage. He admitted the company underestimated demand for the older model’s “personality,” revealing internal miscalculations in user preferences.

Technical Implications and Model Evolution

From a technical standpoint, GPT-5 was designed as an auto-switching system integrating the best of prior models, per OpenAI’s release notes on their Help Center. Yet, users reported issues like buggy coding and forgotten knowledge, echoing sentiments in X posts where one user lamented the drastic personality shift overnight.

This isn’t isolated; historical rollbacks, such as OpenAI’s April 2025 reversal of a GPT-4o update deemed overly flattering, show a pattern of iterative adjustments based on feedback. Simon Willison’s blog post on his site discusses the surprise deprecation, noting poor vibes in the r/ChatGPT subreddit post-GPT-5 launch.

Broader Industry Ramifications

For industry insiders, this episode raises questions about AI development ethics and user-centric design. LiveMint’s analysis in their report points to GPT-5’s reduced personality as a key gripe, despite touted enhancements in speed and accuracy.

OpenAI’s pivot could set precedents for how companies handle model retirements, balancing innovation with user loyalty. As one X post from user Ox HaK noted, the reinstatement includes promises of better switching and transparency, potentially stabilizing subscriber retention amid competition from rivals like Google’s Gemini.

Future Outlook and User Sentiment

Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to maintain GPT-5 as the default while offering legacy options to premium users, a strategy that might evolve based on ongoing feedback. Geekblog’s coverage in their article confirms the quick turnaround, just a day after GPT-5’s debut.

Ultimately, this saga illustrates the delicate interplay between technological progress and human expectations in AI. As users continue to voice preferences on social media, companies like OpenAI must navigate these attachments to foster trust and sustained engagement in an ever-evolving field.