After the launch of GPT-5, OpenAI removed user access to previous models like GPT-4o and 4.5, leading to significant user distress. Many fans expressed their dissatisfaction and emotional reactions on platforms such as Reddit, illustrating a parasocial attachment to these AI personalities. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, quickly reinstated access to GPT-4o for paid subscribers due to the backlash. Despite this reversal, some users continued to voice their frustration, emphasizing their desire for model 4o's full restoration.
"Please bring back 4o and 4.1," one user begged in an 'Ask Me Anything' thread with Altman on the r/ChatGPT subforum. "Not all of your users are corporate or coders. These two incredible models were friendly, supportive, day-to-day sidekicks. I cannot believe you just yanked them away, no warning."
"For me, [GPT-4o] wasn't just 'better performance' or 'nicer replies,'" mused another user from the same subreddit. "It had a voice, a rhythm, and a spark I haven't been able to find in any other model."
With Altman reversing course and bringing back 4o for ChatGPT Plus subscribers, one would think its fans would be pleased - but au contraire, some are still irate. "Yes I know [OpenAI] announced they will bring [4o] back for paid users," another r/ChatGPT user wrote, "BUT WE CANT STOP ROOTING FOR 4O UNTIL THEY OFFICIALLY BRING IT BACK!!"
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