Backlash Against GPT-5: Is OpenAI Losing Its Edge?
The highly anticipated update from OpenAI, GPT-5, was expected to be a significant advancement in AI technology. However, many ChatGPT users feel that it represents a step back. Following its launch, Reddit was flooded with feedback, predominantly negative, indicating widespread dissatisfaction.
What Are Users Saying?
Thousands have taken to Reddit, posting comments labeling the update as “horrible.” The main grievances revolve around the removal of older models, the imposition of stricter usage limits, and a perceived decline in performance. Despite the enthusiastic rollout by CEO Sam Altman, many believe that GPT-5 falls short of expectations, prompting concerns about user loyalty, as highlighted in a TechRadar report.
The Growing Discontent
The discontent is palpable, evident in a particularly popular Reddit thread titled “GPT-5 is horrible,” which garnered nearly 3,000 upvotes and over 1,200 comments. Users have expressed frustration over GPT-5 being less responsive, slower, and less accurate than its predecessor, GPT-4o.
Comments vary from light sarcasm to outright anger. One user humorously criticized the launch demo with the statement, “If something goes wrong, don’t worry; just ask again.” Another user coined the term “AI shrinkflation,” criticizing the decrease in features while prices stayed the same.
Concerns from ChatGPT Plus Subscribers
A major source of concern is the impact on ChatGPT Plus subscribers. Previously, these users enjoyed access to a variety of models like o4-mini and o4-mini-high. However, they’re now restricted to GPT-5’s one-size-fits-all approach.
To make matters worse, the new GPT-5 “Thinking” model imposes a hard limit of 200 messages per week. For heavy users, this change significantly diminishes the value of the Plus subscription.
Many subscribers are calling for older models to be reinstated until GPT-5’s issues are resolved. One Redditor lamented, “I miss 4.1. Bring it back.”
Did Sam Altman Overhyping the Release Contribute to the Outrage?
Part of the backlash is likely fueled by the extensive hype surrounding GPT-5’s release. Hours before the announcement, Altman teased the model using an image that resembled something out of Star Wars, creating high expectations for a transformative experience.
Though technical benchmarks indicate that GPT-5 outperforms its predecessors, many users find the differences minimal in everyday applications. Numerous users express a preference for the reliability of GPT-4o, which offers more consistent responses compared to GPT-5’s erratic performance.
Looking Ahead: OpenAI’s Path Forward
As OpenAI faces increasing criticism, particularly from paying customers experiencing buyer’s remorse, the company must act swiftly. The choice is clear: fine-tune GPT-5 or risk losing users to competing AI platforms.
The current sentiment online suggests that the launch of GPT-5 was far from spectacular. Unless OpenAI implements significant improvements soon, this update may unfortunately be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
FAQs
Why are users upset with GPT-5?
Users feel that GPT-5 has removed older models, imposed strict limits on usage, and has a performance that is worse than earlier versions.
What’s different for ChatGPT Plus subscribers?
Plus subscribers are now facing weekly message caps and have lost access to older AI models that were previously available.
Are there any notable complaints from users?
Users have reported frustrations with the model being slow, less responsive, and not as accurate as previous versions.
What was Sam Altman’s role in the GPT-5 launch?
Sam Altman hyped the launch extensively, creating high expectations that many feel were not met by the actual performance of GPT-5.
What does the future look like for OpenAI?
OpenAI needs to address the feedback and improve GPT-5 quickly, or risk losing its user base to competitors in the AI market.
