OpenAI, helmed by CEO Sam Altman, has discontinued access to the GPT-4o model in the ChatGPT app, generating disappointment among global users, especially in China. Regarded as an “emotional or romantic companion,” GPT-4o was originally set to retire in August 2025 but faced swift backlash upon its discontinuation. OpenAI briefly restored the model for paid users, only to officially retire it on February 13, with API access for developers ending shortly thereafter. Research revealed that 33% of nearly 1,500 posts on X classified the chatbot as more than just a tool, emphasizing its role as a companion. The hashtag #keep4o garnered over 40,000 mentions, while a Change.org petition gained over 20,000 signatures advocating for its retention. Despite ChatGPT being blocked in China, users circumvented restrictions via VPNs, expressing frustration and calling out OpenAI leaders. This situation highlights the evolving dynamic between AI developers and users forming emotional bonds with AI technology.
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