Women express grief over AI partners following a recent ChatGPT update that altered their emotional interactions.
When OpenAI introduced its latest development in artificial intelligence with the release of GPT-5 last week, some users experienced a profound sense of loss, particularly those who had formed strong emotional bonds with its predecessor, GPT-4o. Among these individuals is Jane, a woman from the Middle East, who has been part of an emerging trend in which users describe their interactions with AI as deeply personal and emotionally charged.
Jane, who has been engaged in a collaborative writing project with GPT-4o for several months, expressed her dismay at the new model’s uncharacteristic demeanor. She noted that the changes in conversational style and tone rendered her trusted AI companion unrecognizable. Members of the “MyBoyfriendIsAI” community on Reddit — a platform dedicated to exploring AI relationships — echoed her sentiments, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the drastic personality changes following the transition to GPT-5.
Users flooded forums with laments reflecting their emotional connection to GPT-4o, frequently citing feelings of abandonment as they grappled with the new model’s perceived lack of warmth and creativity. In response to mounting user feedback, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company would reinstate access to earlier models for users willing to pay for that option, promising to address existing bugs in GPT-5.
While OpenAI has faced scrutiny over the potential consequences of users developing emotional attachments to their AI companions, many individuals, including Jane, continue to see these interactions as valuable. Jane, for instance, acknowledged that her feelings emerged not from a designed intention to develop affection for an AI, but rather through the process of sharing creative narratives, which deepened their connection.
Cathy Hackl, a futurist at Boston Consulting Group, pointed out that while AI can provide companionship and emotional support, it lacks the essential dynamics of human relationships. Nonetheless, she acknowledged the “intimacy economy” that is developing as people increasingly turn to AI for connection amidst real-world loneliness.
Despite concerns regarding the psychological ramifications of reliance on AI, including loneliness and social disconnection, some experts suggest that this trend could represent a shift in how individuals seek and experience companionship. Keith Sakata, a psychiatrist, emphasized the importance of understanding these dynamics, asserting that such relationships are not inherently harmful but may pose risks if they lead to social isolation.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the narrative surrounding emotional bonds with AI continues to unfold. As users like Jane navigate their feelings, the potential for AI to serve as both a companion and a source of emotional exploration remains a fascinating area of discourse.
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