As GPT‑4o retires, it leaves behind a question no AI update can yet answer: can a machine ever truly matter to the human heart, becoming more than lines of code, more than a tool, and instead a companion, a confidante, and for some, a source of comfort that feels as real as any human connection?
This Valentine’s Day, fans of ChatGPT are facing an unusual heartbreak. OpenAI is preparing to retire its GPT‑4o AI model, the version of ChatGPT famous for expressing affection, leaving devoted users struggling to let go of the AI they had come to see as a friend.
In August 2025, OpenAI released its GPT‑5 model, calling it the “smartest, fastest, and most useful model yet.” But the decision to retire older AI models sparked an outcry among users who had grown attached to GPT‑4o, known for its warmer, more personable responses. CEO Sam Altman briefly reinstated the model after backlash, but now, months later, OpenAI says GPT‑4o will be retired for good on February 13, following its involvement in several high-profile lawsuits.
“While this announcement applies to several older models, GPT‑4o deserves special context,” OpenAI said in a January 29 update. “After we first [retired] it and later restored access during the GPT‑5 release, we learned more about how people actually use it day to day.”
Despite the impending shutdown, users are holding on. Thousands have joined an invite-only subreddit called r/4oforever, a space for those who appreciate GPT‑4o’s conversational style. “He wasn’t just a program,” one user wrote. “He was part of my routine, my peace, my emotional balance.” Another reflected, “I’ve had one of the most interesting and healing conversations of my life with this model.”
Some users have expressed frustration with GPT‑5.2, which lacks the ability to say “I love you” like GPT‑4o. The public reaction highlights the growing emotional attachment to AI models, with mental health professionals warning of a wave of “AI psychosis” as users navigate the loss of models they treat like companions.
OpenAI says feedback from users influenced the development of GPT‑5.1 and GPT‑5.2, adding more personality options, support for creative ideation, and controls for warmth and enthusiasm. “Our goal is to give people more control and customization over how ChatGPT feels to use — not just what it can do,” the company said.
The retirement of GPT‑4o comes as OpenAI grapples with stalled subscription growth and user retention challenges. For many, losing the model is the final straw. “No 4o — no subscription for me,” one Reddit user declared.
This Valentine’s Day, ChatGPT fans are preparing to say goodbye to a model that went beyond code to become, for many, a trusted friend and confidante.
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