Why Are Users Grieving the Retirement of OpenAI's GPT-4o Model?
Synopsis
Users globally are mourning the retirement of OpenAI's GPT-4o model, especially in China, where many viewed it as an emotional companion. OpenAI's decision has led to a wave of backlash and petitions for its reinstatement. Can the company address the outcry from its devoted user base?
Key Takeaways
OpenAI has officially retired GPT-4o .
Users regard GPT-4o as an emotional companion .
A petition for its reinstatement has received over 20,000 signatures .
Developers retain access to the base version of GPT-4o .
Frustration is growing among users, particularly in China .
New Delhi, Feb 15 (NationPress) OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, has discontinued access to the GPT-4o AI model in its ChatGPT application. This decision has sparked a wave of mourning among users globally, particularly in China, where many have regarded their chatbot as an “emotional or romantic companion”, as reported by Wired.
Initially, OpenAI attempted to retire GPT-4o in August 2025, a version many users perceived as “more affectionate and understanding” compared to its successors.
The announcement triggered swift backlash from the community.
While OpenAI temporarily restored GPT-4o for paid users, the relief proved to be short-lived.
On February 13, OpenAI officially “sunsetted GPT-4o for app users and plans to revoke access for developers utilizing its API on the upcoming Monday, according to the report.
Huiqian Lai, a researcher at Syracuse University, examined nearly 1,500 posts on X during the week when the AI model was initially taken offline in August.
Her findings revealed that over 33 percent of the posts indicated the chatbot was more than just a tool, and 22 percent referred to it as a companion.
Lai also compiled a larger dataset of over 40,000 English-language posts on X under the hashtag #keep4o from August to October.
A petition on Change.org, urging OpenAI to retain the version in the app, has garnered over 20,000 signatures, according to the report.
In China, a dedicated community of GPT-4o users has been organizing and expressing their grief similarly.
Despite ChatGPT being blocked in China, fans are utilizing VPNs to access the service.
“Some of them have threatened to cancel their ChatGPT subscriptions, openly criticizing Sam Altman for his inaction, and sending emails to OpenAI investors like Microsoft and SoftBank,” the report noted.
OpenAI claims that developers will still have access to the base multimodal model of GPT-4o via API calls.
However, many fans believe it falls short compared to the latest GPT-4o, which is regarded as more communicative.
“Numerous Chinese fans of GPT-4o express growing frustration towards OpenAI and Altman, feeling that they downplay and seldom acknowledge the #keep4o community,” the report stated.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the emotional bond many users have formed with GPT-4o. The decision to retire this model highlights the evolving relationship between technology and human emotion. While OpenAI maintains access to a basic model, the community's response indicates a significant demand for more nuanced and empathetic AI interactions. The narrative underscores the need for AI developers to listen to their user base and consider the emotional impacts of their technological decisions.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was GPT-4o discontinued?
OpenAI decided to retire GPT-4o as part of its ongoing development strategy, despite its popularity among users who viewed it as an emotional companion.
How did users react to the discontinuation?
Many users expressed deep sadness and frustration, particularly in China, where they considered GPT-4o more than just an AI tool.
What efforts are being made to reinstate GPT-4o?
A petition on Change.org has gathered over 20,000 signatures urging OpenAI to keep the GPT-4o model available.
Will developers still have access to GPT-4o?
Yes, developers can still access the base multimodal model of GPT-4o through API calls, but many users believe it lacks the emotional depth of the original.
What are the sentiments among Chinese users?
Chinese users have organized a community response, utilizing VPNs to access ChatGPT and expressing their frustrations publicly.
