‘Bring back GPT-4o’: ChatGPT users left frustrated after GPT-5 launch

The much-anticipated release of OpenAI's GPT-5 model has ignited a wave of frustration among ChatGPT users following its live-stream announcement by CEO Sam Altman. Promoted as a significant advancement in artificial intelligence, GPT-5 is touted to possess capabilities akin to those of a PhD-level expert across a variety of disciplines. According to OpenAI, the new model boasts improvements in reasoning, writing, coding, and accuracy, particularly in health-related inquiries, while also experiencing a reduction in inaccuracies, commonly referred to as hallucinations. However, the rollout of GPT-5 has resulted in the elimination of previous model options, including the popular GPT-4o, which had been used for standard queries. This change has left many users feeling disenfranchised, as they can no longer select their preferred model. Social media platforms have been abuzz with complaints as users express discontent over the new restrictions. In forums, many have noted that responses from GPT-5 tend to be shorter and less engaging compared to its predecessors. Users with ChatGPT Plus subscriptions reported feeling limited in their interactions, with some stating that the AI now seems less responsive to their instructions. One user lamented on Reddit, "They have completely ruined ChatGPT. It’s slower, has short replies, and often gets the simplest details wrong." Another echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the changes were made to reduce costs, resulting in a loss of the emotional depth that made previous versions enjoyable to interact with. As the community grapples with the transition, the consensus appears to be that GPT-5, while efficient, lacks the personality and conversational richness that users had come to appreciate in earlier models. Users are left wondering if the enhancements justify the compromises, with some feeling as though they've lost a close companion in their daily interactions with the AI.