OpenAI Faces Backlash After GPT-5 Release
OpenAI’s unveiling of its much-anticipated GPT-5 model has stirred a wave of dissatisfaction among its loyal user base. While the company showcased GPT-5 as a major upgrade in coding, reasoning, accuracy, and multi-modal capabilities, the response from many paying subscribers was anything but celebratory.
Why GPT-5 Hasn’t Won Over Loyal Users
Despite technical improvements and a lower hallucination rate, long-time ChatGPT users say GPT-5 has lost something far more important — its personality. The new model, they argue, delivers shorter, less engaging responses that lack the emotional warmth and conversational depth of its predecessor, GPT-4o. The disappointment has been amplified by OpenAI’s decision to discontinue several older models, including GPT-4o, GPT-4.5, GPT-4.1, o3, and o3-pro, leaving users with no way to return to their preferred options.
Social Media Pushback Intensifies
On Reddit, the ChatGPT community has become a focal point for criticism. Some users compared the removal of older models to losing a trusted colleague or creative partner. GPT-4o, in particular, was praised for its “voice, rhythm, and spark” — qualities that many claim are missing in GPT-5. Others criticized OpenAI’s sudden removal of eight models without prior notice, calling it disruptive to workflows that relied on different models for specific tasks like creative writing, deep research, and logical problem-solving.
Accusations of Misrepresentation
Adding fuel to the backlash, some users have accused OpenAI of misleading marketing during the GPT-5 launch presentation. Allegations include “benchmark-cheating” and the use of deceptive bar charts to exaggerate GPT-5’s performance. For some, this perceived dishonesty was the final straw, prompting them to cancel their subscriptions entirely.
The Bigger Picture for AI Adoption
This controversy highlights an evolving tension in AI development — the balance between technical progress and user experience. While companies often focus on measurable improvements, users place equal value on familiarity, emotional connection, and trust. OpenAI now faces the challenge of addressing the concerns of a vocal segment of its community while continuing to innovate in a competitive AI market.