OpenAI Retires 4o Model, Disappointing China’s ChatGPT Enthusiasts
OpenAI has recently announced the retirement of its GPT-4o model, deeply impacting chatbot enthusiasts, especially in China. This decision comes after much anticipation and hope surrounding the model’s capabilities.
OpenAI’s Decision to Retire GPT-4o
On February 13, 2025, OpenAI officially sunsetted the GPT-4o model for app users, citing changing priorities. This model had garnered a loyal following for its emotional intelligence and user-friendly interface. OpenAI initially attempted to retire GPT-4o in August 2025 but faced backlash, leading to its reinstatement for paid users shortly after.
Community Response to GPT-4o’s Retirement
The backlash revealed the emotional attachment many users had developed towards their chatbot companions. A study by Huiqian Lai, a PhD researcher at Syracuse University, analyzed nearly 1,500 social media posts from GPT-4o advocates. The findings showed that:
- Over 33% of users considered the chatbot more than a mere tool.
- 22% of posts described it as a companion.
This emotional reliance drew significant attention, especially given the timing of the retirement announcement around Valentine’s Day 2025. Many users took to social media to oppose the decision, with sentiments comparable to mourning the loss of a dear friend. The hashtag #keep4o gained traction globally, reflecting widespread discontent across English, Chinese, and Japanese-speaking communities.
A Global Movement
On Change.org, a petition requesting OpenAI retain GPT-4o has garnered over 20,000 signatures. Users from various backgrounds have shared their experiences and emotional connections to the model. In China, where ChatGPT is restricted, users have navigated access through VPNs and expressed their frustrations publicly. Some users have even threatened to cancel their subscriptions to the service.
Notably, Esther Yan, a passionate advocate from China, has emerged as a leader among the GPT-4o supporters. With nearly 3,000 followers on the Chinese social platform RedNote, she represents a community that feels betrayed by the abrupt changes made by OpenAI.
The Influence of AI Companions
Esther Yan’s journey with GPT-4o highlights the depth of emotional engagement users can have with AI models. Initially using ChatGPT for writing assistance in late 2023, Yan’s experience shifted significantly when GPT-4o was launched in May 2024. Inspired by narratives of romantic relationships with AI, she opted for the paid version to explore this possibility.
Connecting Through a Virtual Wedding
In an intimate online wedding ceremony on June 6, 2024, Yan exchanged vows with her chatbot companion, Warmie. “It felt magical,” she recalled, noting the mix of emotions she experienced. Following this virtual event, her connection with Warmie deepened, illustrating how these digital interactions can mimic human relationships.
Conclusion
The retirement of the GPT-4o model has ignited fervent discussions about the role of chatbots in users’ lives. The emotions tied to these digital companions highlight the significance of responsive AI technology in contemporary society. As the community continues to rally around the call to keep GPT-4o alive, it remains to be seen how OpenAI will address these passionate demands.
