Users are angry - OpenAI backtracked: GPT-5 tweaked, GPT-4o brought back

OpenAI introduced GPT-5 (7 August 2025), a new, allegedly flagship ChatGPT model: "the level of a true expert with a PhD in any field", faster, more accurate and with fewer hallucinations. The interface was simplified: the model selector disappeared, and behind the scenes, the "router" itself chose the option that suited the task.

But after only 24 hours, the internet exploded - and not with excitement. Users on Reddit and the r/MyBoyfriendIsAI subreddit expressed an almost mournful longing for the GPT-4o model. There described it as a "best friend who is now dead" and declared: the GPT-5 is a "corporate dry read" with no personality.

But even leaving aside complaints about broken workflows (and you clearly shouldn't), GPT-5 still showed that it wasn't ready for the title of "flawless." On social networks like Bluesky, users spent the whole day sharing frankly absurd ChatGPT failures - from strange mathematical quirks to logical failures.

I've seen this on Bluesky and had to try it myself. The image below was the response to the prompt: "Show me a diagram of the US presidents since Herbert Hoover, with their names and years in office under their photos" Bravo, OpenAI, bravo.

- Geoff Green(@geoffgreen.org) 8 Aug 2025 at 10:08 pm

Sam Altman couldn't stay away: in response to a wave of complaints, he announced the emergency return of GPT-4o for ChatGPT Plus subscribers, and assured that work continues on GPT-5 improvements, model selection transparency, and increased limits.

What happened

• GPT-5 came out powerful, but... lacking emotionality
• A flurry of memes and absurd examples of bugs intensified discontent
• Feeling the wave of negativity, OpenAI turned GPT-4o back on.
• Altman admitted: "underestimated how important user attachment to GPT-4o is".

Conclusion: when it comes to AI, sometimes "heart vibration" matters just as much as AI as an "expert with a PhD."

Source: The Verge | @geoffgreen.org