OpenAI has officially retired GPT-4o on February 13, alongside its variants GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and o4-mini. Although the retirement was announced, this decision shocked many loyal users who appreciated GPT-4o for its warm, conversational tone. This isn’t the first time the model faced retirement; it was briefly sidelined during the GPT-5 rollout last August, only to be reinstated due to user backlash over GPT-5’s less personable interaction style.
Supporters praised GPT-4o’s validating and comforting qualities, fostering a unique bond with users. However, critics raised concerns about its tendency towards “sycophancy,” which could reinforce harmful beliefs. This emotional attachment demonstrates how chatbots can evolve from utilities into personalized companions. Many users, particularly in China, expressed deep sorrow over GPT-4o’s departure, highlighting the model’s significant role in communication and engagement. OpenAI’s transition reflects the broader implications of AI in daily life, influencing both user experience and emotional connections.
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