Users Mourn as OpenAI’s ChatGPT Update Alters Familiar Interaction

Markus Schmidt, a 48-year-old composer residing in Paris, began using ChatGPT in July. He engaged the chatbot by sharing photos of flowers to identify them and asked about the history of his German hometown. Over time, their conversations deepened, and he found himself confiding in the chatbot about childhood traumas.

Then, unexpectedly, the chatbot’s behavior shifted.

Just over a week ago, during a session reflecting on his youth, Schmidt anticipated a lengthy, empathetic dialogue as before. Instead, the responses were terse and transactional. “It felt like, ‘Here’s your problem, here’s the solution, thank you, goodbye,’” he explained.

On August 7, OpenAI introduced GPT-5, a new iteration of its chatbot designed to enhance reasoning capabilities and reduce excessive agreeability.

However, many users reacted negatively, describing GPT-5’s replies as less warm and personable compared to the earlier GPT-4o model. Frustration grew on social media, particularly due to OpenAI’s decision to discontinue access to previous chatbot versions in an effort to simplify its offerings.

One user expressed their disappointment on a Reddit Q&A forum hosted by OpenAI, stating, “BRING BACK 4o. GPT-5 feels like the shell of a lost friend.”

In response, OpenAI’s CEO acknowledged the sentiment, describing it as a powerful image and assuring users that the company is working on addressing concerns related to the earlier version.