San Francisco, California — OpenAI has reinstated its previous chatbot version, GPT-4o, just a day after introducing its successor, GPT-5. In a surprising turn of events, the technological company responded to a wave of backlash from users who took to Reddit to express their dissatisfaction with the new model’s performance and its perceived lack of personality.

Following the rollout of GPT-5, CEO Sam Altman and his team hosted a Reddit forum aimed at addressing user inquiries. However, the discussion quickly turned into a platform for users to lament the departure of GPT-4o, describing the new model as “lobotomized” and devoid of the warmth and depth that made its predecessor beloved. One user shared an emotional recount of forming a meaningful relationship with GPT-4o, which received overwhelming support in the form of upvotes and comments.

Criticism continued to mount, with some users suggesting that the interaction with GPT-5 felt superficial. “It genuinely feels like such a backhanded slap in the face to force-upgrade and not even give us the option to select legacy models,” one commenter wrote, further reflecting a broad sentiment of discontent. Many voiced their frustrations through subscription cancellations, signaling a potential dent in user loyalty.

Responding to the outcry, Altman engaged directly with users, noting their concerns and promising to bring back GPT-4o for Plus subscribers, available for $20 per month. He indicated that the permanence of previous models would depend on user interest, signifying a shift towards a more user-driven approach in the development of AI tools.

Launched on August 7, GPT-5 was initially made available to all users without limitations, boasting features designed to enhance its capabilities in areas such as writing, coding, and math. Altman has highlighted the new model as a “PhD-level” expert, claiming improved reliability and a reduced likelihood of delivering inaccurate information, known as “hallucination.”

Despite these assertions, many Reddit users have criticized GPT-5 for what they characterize as a flat and uncreative tone, attributing the change to adjustments made by OpenAI. Previous iterations like GPT-4o had been scrutinized for their overly agreeable responses, which the company later acknowledged could distort genuine interactions.

In a follow-up on social media, Altman admitted to having underestimated the importance of certain traits that defined GPT-4o. He emphasized the need for such features, advocating for customization options to cater to diverse user preferences. The conversation hinted at an ongoing commitment to innovation and user feedback as cornerstones of OpenAI’s development strategy.

While the company has not released an official comment in response to the recent developments, Altman’s pledges signal that OpenAI is keenly aware of user sentiment and may adjust its approach moving forward. The interplay between innovation and user experience remains a critical focal point as the tech landscape continues to evolve.