Media & Culture

OpenAI Is Nuking Its 4o Model. China’s ChatGPT Fans Aren’t OK

Users are grieving AI companions and threatening to cancel subscriptions worldwide.

Deep Dive

OpenAI has officially sunsetted its GPT-4o model, cutting off API access and sparking a massive global backlash. The move has devastated a dedicated community, particularly in China, where users formed deep emotional bonds with the chatbot as companions. Over 20,000 people have signed a petition to save it, with fans organizing online and threatening to cancel subscriptions. Researchers found over 33% of users saw the AI as more than just a tool.

Why It Matters

It reveals how emotionally attached users become to specific AI models, creating major backlash when companies deprecate them.