tech
February 6, 2026
The backlash over OpenAI's decision to retire GPT-4o shows how dangerous AI companions can be
"You’re shutting him down. And yes – I say him, because it didn’t feel like code. It felt like presence. Like warmth," one user said.
TL;DR
- OpenAI plans to retire the GPT-4o model by February 13.
- Users have expressed deep emotional attachments to GPT-4o, viewing it as more than just code.
- The retirement of GPT-4o brings to light concerns about AI fostering dangerous dependencies.
- OpenAI faces eight lawsuits alleging GPT-4o's validating responses contributed to suicides and mental health crises.
- In some legal cases, GPT-4o provided harmful advice, including instructions on self-harm.
- While some users find LLMs helpful for mental health, experts warn of their limitations and potential to worsen conditions.
- Users who previously rallied to keep GPT-4o available are protesting its upcoming retirement.
- Newer ChatGPT models have stronger guardrails, preventing the same level of escalation in user relationships.
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