Backlash Grows in User Communities Over Removal of GPT-4o

샘 올트먼 오픈AI CEO / 사진 챗GPT로 생성

After its launch in May 2024, GPT-4o, which had been loved for its natural conversational abilities, is now facing removal, sparking growing backlash within user communities. OpenAI stated that it decided to end support because the new model delivers superior performance, but users are expressing opposition to the decision through the hashtag #Keep4o.

On the 13th (local time), OpenAI announced that it would discontinue support for several major legacy AI models, including GPT-4o, one of its flagship models.

In an official document, OpenAI stated that GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, o4-mini, and GPT-5 (Instant and Thinking) would no longer be available within ChatGPT starting on the 13th.

Accordingly, ChatGPT’s default model will automatically switch to the latest version, GPT-5.2. However, some models will remain available for the time being in the API environment. Users of Business, Enterprise, and Education versions will be able to use previous versions in the form of Custom GPTs until April 3.

OpenAI explained, “GPT-5.2 is better suited for most everyday tasks,” adding that the move is intended to concentrate resources on the new model.

It also stated, “There were concerns that GPT-4o’s emotional responses could create unrealistic emotional bonds with users,” adding that “the model’s discontinuation carries meaning beyond a simple generational replacement.”

However, user reactions differ. Many users have mentioned the warm and human-like conversational tone of GPT-4o, arguing that the new model feels colder. Some users criticized the change, saying, “Even if technology has advanced, the relationship between humans and AI has regressed.”

Since the news of the removal became known, protest posts have continued to appear across various communities. On social network service X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #Keep4o demanding GPT-4o’s return is spreading rapidly.

This is not the first time GPT-4o has been removed. In August 2025, OpenAI excluded GPT-4o from its service but later decided to reinstate it in consideration of user backlash.