OpenAI has officially disabled the GPT-4o model inside ChatGPT and moved users to GPT-5 alternatives, marking a significant platform shift that has prompted backlash from users who preferred the earlier model’s tone and conversational style.
The company had previously signalled that GPT-5 would replace earlier default models across ChatGPT, but the removal of GPT-4o has triggered an emotional response among a vocal segment of users who associated the model with a warmer interaction style.
Users on Reddit described feelings of loss and frustration following the switch, with some stating that GPT-4o had become a gateway into artificial intelligence tools and a source of companionship during extended conversations.
Other posts characterised the transition as disruptive to creative workflows and personal routines, reflecting how generative AI tools increasingly integrate into daily communication, writing, and ideation practices beyond simple question-and-answer exchanges.
The shift highlights how model personality and tone can influence user preference, particularly as AI systems evolve from utilitarian assistants toward conversational agents capable of sustained dialogue.
The #keep4o campaign gains traction
An online campaign under the hashtag #keep4o has emerged across Reddit and other social platforms, with users calling for OpenAI to restore GPT-4o as an optional model rather than fully retiring it.
A Change.org petition seeking to reinstate GPT-4o has gathered nearly 21,000 signatures, illustrating that while the number remains small relative to ChatGPT’s overall user base, engagement among supporters remains active and coordinated.
Critics have argued that removing GPT-4o contradicts broader industry messaging around user wellbeing and responsible AI deployment, especially when some users report forming emotional attachments to conversational models.
Academic research has also examined socio-emotional attachment to AI systems, noting that sustained interaction with chatbots can lead users to attribute personality traits and relational qualities to software-driven responses.
OpenAI has not indicated plans to restore GPT-4o, and GPT-5 now serves as the default experience inside ChatGPT, with future updates expected to continue consolidating model access rather than maintaining parallel legacy systems.
The company has not announced alternative access routes for GPT-4o, leaving the current transition in place as users adapt to GPT-5’s capabilities and interaction style across the platform.
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