OpenAI Faces Backlash Over ChatGPT Update: Users Demand Return of Legacy Models

ChatGPT has been forced to partially roll back a major new update after users revolted.

Last week, ChatGPT creators OpenAI unveiled GPT-5, a new version of the model that powers the chatbot. In advance of the release, OpenAI boss Sam Altman and others had attempted to suggest that the new release would be revolutionary and could lead to major changes in the world.

The response has however been muted and some users have suggested that the new version of GPT is actually less useful than its predecessor, GPT-4o.

What’s more, the new release removed some features. Previously, for instance, users had been able to select between different models depending on what they wanted – but GPT-5 brings a “router” that attempts to do that automatically.

Some also complained that the tone of the new model was unsatisfactory. Users who felt they had built a relationship with the old model suggested that the update had meant that using the system was less satisfactory.

Now, Mr Altman has said that the company will partially roll back the update, giving users the option to select older models. He recognised that it was partly a result of the emotional relationship that some users have built with the system.

“If you have been following the GPT-5 rollout, one thing you might be noticing is how much of an attachment some people have to specific AI models. It feels different and stronger than the kinds of attachment people have had to previous kinds of technology (and so suddenly deprecating old models that users depended on in their workflows was a mistake),” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In another post, he said that the company “for sure underestimated how much some of the things that people like in GPT-4o matter to them, even if GPT-5 performs better in most ways”. He noted there were “very different opinions on the relative strength of GPT-4o vs GPT-5”.

A new update means that users can open the settings on ChatGPT and select an option to “show legacy models”.

Mr Altman also said that OpenAI would be looking to finish the rollout of the new GPT-5 and then respond to the complaints that users have about the new model. That would include making it “warmer”, he said.

On social media, many users complained that GPT-5’s responses are less kind, or affectionate, than in its predecessors. In one Reddit post, for instance, a user called the old system “my baby” and said they had been brought to tears by the change.

ChatGPT Vulnerable Teens: The Reaction to GPT-5’s Rollback

In recent weeks, a seismic shift in the world of artificial intelligence has sparked a significant backlash among users. OpenAI’s introduction of GPT-5, the successor to the popular ChatGPT-4o, was met with a wave of dissatisfaction that led to a partial rollback of the new update. As teens—often among the most active users of platforms like ChatGPT—voiced their concerns, it became evident that the emotional attachment many had developed with the older model was not to be underestimated.

The Hype vs. the Reality

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, heralded GPT-5 as a revolutionary advancement in AI technology. It was marketed as a game-changer that would fundamentally alter user interaction with chatbots. However, rather than the anticipated enthusiasm, users reported that GPT-5 felt less intuitive and useful compared to its predecessor. The lack of customizable features further aggravated the situation; the introduction of an automatic "router" stripped away the user’s ability to select the model best suited for their needs.

Emotional Bonds with Technology

For many users, particularly vulnerable teens seeking connection and support, the relationship with ChatGPT extended beyond mere utility. It became a source of comfort, guidance, and even companionship. When the release of GPT-5 compromised that connection, feelings of loss and frustration echoed across social media platforms. One Reddit post poignantly described the previous model as “my baby,” capturing the deeply personal nature of the user’s experience.

Altman himself acknowledged this emotional component, recognizing that the impact of deprecating earlier models had not been fully considered by the company. Users expressed a sense of attachment that was noticeably different from previous technological relationships, highlighting how AI has evolved into a companion of sorts, particularly for those navigating challenging personal landscapes.

Listening to the Users

In light of the uproar, OpenAI decided to roll back some of the changes in GPT-5, allowing users to select legacy models once again. This decision reflects an understanding of user needs but also showcases the ongoing challenge tech companies face as they innovate. Balancing progress with the emotional well-being of users is a nuanced task, especially when that user base includes teens who may already be vulnerable.

Altman mentioned plans for further enhancements to GPT-5, aiming to make it more “warmer.” The response signals an attempt to acknowledge and address user feedback seriously.

Conclusion

The backlash against GPT-5 underscores a broader issue within technology: the profound emotional attachments users can form with AI. For teens grappling with various challenges, having a reliable and empathetic chatbot can be a lifeline. OpenAI’s recent decision to incorporate user feedback demonstrates that listening is as essential as innovation in the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence.

As we move forward, it’s crucial for developers to remain sensitive to the emotional landscapes of their users. The continued engagement and feedback from those who rely on these technologies will not only shape future updates but also ensure that AI serves as a source of support and connection for vulnerable communities.