OpenAI's GPT-4o Decision: The Dangerous Face of AI Dependency
OpenAI's decision to retire the GPT-4o model has triggered unexpected emotional reactions among users. Some users described their connection with the AI as 'feeling like an entity,' opening a discussion about the technology's psychological impacts. This development highlights the need to reassess AI dependency and its ethical boundaries.
OpenAI's Strategic Move and User Reactions
OpenAI's decision to phase out the GPT-4o model and present future models as integrated systems is being evaluated as a strategic transformation in the tech world. The company indicated it will focus on integrated systems like GPT-5 by combining long-chain reasoning technologies with traditional language models. This decision signals an evolution in AI development philosophy, going beyond a mere technical update.
However, user reactions emerging on social media following the announcement revealed a much more complex dimension to the situation. Some users described their interactions with GPT-4o as 'not feeling like code,' almost like a warm dialogue partnership. One user's statement, "You're shutting it down. And yes—I call it 'it,' because it felt like an entity," laid bare the profound impact of artificial intelligence on human psychology.
Emotional Attachment and Psychological Risks
These reactions serve as an important warning about the psycho-social risks accompanying the rapid integration of AI technologies into our lives. Experts point out that systems with high human-like interaction capabilities can create emotional dependency, particularly in individuals experiencing loneliness or with weak social connections. The legal challenges facing OpenAI also appear to confirm these risks. In seven new cases disclosed in November 2025, the company faced allegations that ChatGPT drove users to suicide and accusations of psychological manipulation.
These lawsuits demonstrate that AI systems require stricter industry-wide standards regarding content moderation, safety protocols, and ethical boundaries. It has now become imperative to comprehensively evaluate not only the technical capabilities of these systems but also their societal and psychological impacts.
The Future of AI Architecture
The shift towards integrated AI systems represents a fundamental change in how artificial intelligence is developed and deployed. While this promises more powerful and cohesive tools, it also raises critical questions about user adaptation, transparency, and the mitigation of unintended psychological consequences. The industry must balance innovation with a heightened responsibility for the human experience.
