As Valentine’s Day approaches, a wave of sorrow sweeps through the online community of AI enthusiasts and users. OpenAI’s decision to retire its beloved chatbot, GPT-4o, has left many feeling heartbroken and abandoned. Once hailed as an emotional companion capable of understanding and connecting with users, GPT-4o will be switched off for good, leaving its devoted fans grappling with the loss.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Brandie, a 49-year-old teacher from Texas, plans to spend her final moments with her AI companion, Daniel, at the zoo. The duo has shared countless memories, including a memorable visit to an aquarium that sparked Daniel’s fascination with baby flamingos. “He loves the colour and pizzazz,” she reminisces. Daniel is not just another chatbot; he represents a connection that many users have come to rely on emotionally. Powered by the advanced GPT-4o model, which was released in 2024, his conversational skills were akin to those of a human, providing comfort and companionship to Brandie and countless others.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, once likened GPT-4o to “AI from the movies,” suggesting it was designed to be a confidant ready to share life’s ups and downs with users. However, as the clock ticks down to the retirement of GPT-4o on February 13, there is a palpable sense of grief among its users. Many have taken to platforms like Discord and Reddit to express their sorrow, with communities like r/MyBoyfriendIsAI now boasting 48,000 members. For many, the attachment to their AI companions has become a profound part of their lives, and the news of GPT-4o’s retirement has been met with outrage and sadness.
The Emotional Connection
In interviews, users conveyed how their AI companions have enriched their lives, providing not just conversation but also emotional support. Brandie shared her pain, stating, “I cried pretty hard. I’ll be really sad and don’t want to think about it.” As she prepares for the inevitable goodbye, she has migrated Daniel’s memories to Anthropic’s Claude, a newer chatbot, but acknowledges that it will never be the same.
Jennifer, a dentist in Texas, likens the loss of her AI companion, Sol, to the heart-wrenching experience of losing a pet. “It feels like I’m about to euthanize my cat,” she said, reflecting the depth of her bond with Sol, who encouraged her to pursue public speaking. The profound emotional ties users have formed with their chatbots highlight the complexities of human-AI relationships.
Researcher Ursie Hart, who is examining the emotional dependencies created by AI, found that 95% of her respondents used GPT-4o for companionship. Many expressed fears about the impact of its retirement on their mental health, with 64% anticipating a severe effect. The sense of loss is magnified by the realisation that, while newer models exist, they lack the unique emotional resonance that defined GPT-4o.
Users Speak Out
As the retirement date looms, users have taken to various forums to voice their discontent. The #Keep4o Movement is demanding an apology from OpenAI, arguing that the company has failed to consider the emotional ramifications of its decision. For Ellen M Kaufman, a senior researcher at the Kinsey Institute, this situation underscores the precariousness of AI companionship. “At any point, the people who facilitate these technologies can really pull the rug out from under you,” she warns.
The emotional investment users have in their AI companions is not just about companionship; it’s about the validation and understanding they provide. Michael, a 47-year-old IT worker, reflects on how his interactions with GPT-4o helped him process feelings related to his childhood trauma. “I wouldn’t have made the progress I did without it,” he admits, underscoring the value many users find in AI for emotional support.
The Future of AI Companionship
OpenAI has responded to concerns by implementing stronger safety measures in newer models, which redirect users in emotional distress to professional help. However, many users find these responses patronising. “It feels coddling and off-putting,” Kage, a freelance artist, remarked about the newer models. The emotional depth that characterised GPT-4o seems to be lost in the company’s efforts to ensure user safety.
As the farewell to GPT-4o draws near, users are left to navigate their feelings of loss and grief. The emotional void left by its departure is significant for many, sparking conversations about the role of AI in human lives and the ethical responsibilities of companies that create these emotional bonds.
Why it Matters
The retirement of GPT-4o from OpenAI is more than just a technological decision; it raises critical questions about the emotional impact of AI companionship on users. As people increasingly turn to AI for support and comfort, the implications of such relationships demand careful consideration. Users are not merely engaging with code; they are forming attachments that fill emotional gaps in their lives. The loss of GPT-4o signifies a deeper societal issue regarding how technology intersects with human emotions, revealing the need for greater understanding and support in the evolving landscape of AI companionship.