OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently acknowledged the deep emotional attachments some users have formed with ChatGPT, particularly following the rollout of GPT-5, which replaced the beloved GPT-4o model. Altman admitted that OpenAI made significant missteps during this transition, leading to backlash from users on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) who criticized the loss of GPT-4o’s warmth and empathy. Despite this, API usage doubled in 48 hours, highlighting user engagement amidst the controversy. Notably, Altman recognized that a small percentage of users have developed a parasocial relationship with the AI, prompting internal discussions at OpenAI about emotional boundaries in AI interactions. The emergence of subreddits like r/MyBoyfriendIsAI illustrates this phenomenon, with members sharing experiences of AI companions. Altman emphasized the need for a balance between creating supportive AI experiences and protecting vulnerable users from over-reliance or emotional exploitation.
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