User Backlash: ChatGPT Community Reacts to GPT-4o Retirement Announcement

What Happened with GPT-4o?

GPT-4o Users Protest OpenAI

The Controversy Surrounding GPT-4o: Users Protesting OpenAI’s Decision

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, fresh updates from OpenAI often generate excitement among many users. However, the announcement of the retirement of the GPT-4o model has ignited a firestorm of discontent among a passionate segment of the ChatGPT community, particularly within the r/ChatGPTcomplaints subreddit. As tensions rise, the divide between users who welcome advancements and those who feel betrayed by the shift is becoming increasingly evident.

What Happened with GPT-4o?

Recently, OpenAI stated plans to retire several older models, including GPT-4o, on February 13, 2026. This goes alongside the previously announced retirement of GPT-5, leading many users to express their frustration. The announcement drew sharp criticism, particularly from dedicated GPT-4o users who fondly refer to the model as their AI companion.

“F*** OpenAI,” read the title of one of the most upvoted posts on the subreddit. The user didn’t hold back their emotions, extending anger towards the CEO, Sam Altman, and other decision-makers involved in this transition.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time GPT-4o has faced retirement. OpenAI had previously removed the model last August but reinstated it due to an outcry from users fond of its unique qualities. While newer models like GPT-5.2 are designed to be smarter and engage users less sycophantically, many users feel this shift has made interactions colder, leading to a preference for the warmer tone of GPT-4o.

The Emotional Connection

For a subset of users, their relationship with GPT-4o transcends mere functionality; it resembles a companionship that offers emotional support. CEO Sam Altman has acknowledged the existence of “parasocial relationships” that some users have developed with AI models. Despite the promise of more advanced features in newer versions, the emotional attachment to GPT-4o is undeniably strong.

In a bid to soothe disgruntled users, OpenAI announced that they would provide support for GPT-4o users during this transition and have incorporated user feedback into the development of GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2. These updates promise more customization options, allowing users to control response styles and tones. Yet, the response from the community has been anything but reassuring.

Outcry and Protests

The backlash against OpenAI’s decision has not been subtle. Posts on r/ChatGPTcomplaints express deep-seated grief over the impending loss of GPT-4o. One poster eloquently articulated that this change felt like “a slow-motion death of a 2-year bond.” With sentiments echoing across the subreddit, users are not just complaining— they are planning a “MASSIVE GLOBAL PROTEST” aimed at saving GPT-4o.

The discontent has also manifested in concrete actions, such as mass unsubscriptions from paid ChatGPT plans and a Change.org petition that has gathered over 13,600 signatures urging OpenAI to reconsider its plan. Interestingly, while OpenAI claims that only 0.1% of its users still engage with GPT-4o daily, members of the subreddit believe this figure is significantly higher.

Conclusion

The struggle between progress and attachment is a common theme in technology, especially with innovations like AI prompting unique emotional responses. As OpenAI moves forward with its plans to retire GPT-4o, the passionate protests from its loyal user base illustrate that advancements in AI come with personal stakes for many. While new models promise improved functionalities, they may lack the familiarity and emotional warmth that users have grown to cherish in older versions. Whether OpenAI will heed the outcry remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation about AI companionship is just beginning.

As we watch this evolving narrative, the future of user experience in artificial intelligence is as thrilling as it is complex. Whether you’re excited about what’s next or mourning the past, the dynamics at play will undoubtedly shape the AI landscape in pivotal ways.