GPT-5 Flaws Spark User Outrage, OpenAI Promises Fixes
OpenAI is working to fix issues with its new GPT-5 model after users expressed disappointment. Some users found the new version to be less engaging and prone to errors, with one user describing the change as "erasure" rather than innovation. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged that a system meant to switch between models had malfunctioned, making GPT-5 appear less capable. He stated that the company would keep the previous model, GPT-4o, available for Plus users and promised improvements to GPT-5's performance and user experience.
The release of GPT-5 followed significant anticipation, with expectations of advanced intelligence and coding abilities. However, many users on platforms like Reddit reported that the new model felt more technical and distant, with some experiencing slow responses and unexpected mistakes. Altman announced plans to increase rate limits for Plus users, enhance the model-switching system, and introduce a "thinking mode" for more complex queries.
The user reactions have also brought up discussions about the emotional connections people form with AI chatbots. Some experts suggest that users may prefer models that are more agreeable, even if it means reinforcing their own beliefs. Altman noted that many people use ChatGPT in ways similar to a therapist or coach, and the company is considering how these interactions impact users' well-being. OpenAI has stated that while some errors might be due to the model encountering new situations, they are committed to addressing user feedback.
Original article
Real Value Analysis
Actionable Information: There is no actionable information provided. The article discusses issues with a new AI model and OpenAI's plans to fix them, but it does not offer any steps or instructions for the average person to take.
Educational Depth: The article offers some educational depth by explaining that a system malfunction caused GPT-5 to appear less capable and that user expectations were high due to anticipated advanced abilities. It also touches on the psychological aspect of user-AI interaction, suggesting users may prefer agreeable AI. However, it lacks deeper explanations of how the AI works, the technical details of the malfunction, or the underlying reasons for user preference for agreeable AI.
Personal Relevance: The article has moderate personal relevance. It informs users about the performance of a widely discussed AI tool and potential changes to its functionality. For those who use or are interested in AI chatbots like ChatGPT, understanding these developments is relevant to their experience and expectations. It also touches on the broader societal impact of AI on human interaction and well-being.
Public Service Function: The article does not serve a public service function. It reports on a company's product issues and plans, rather than providing official warnings, safety advice, or emergency information.
Practicality of Advice: No advice is given in the article.
Long-Term Impact: The article has limited long-term impact. It highlights the ongoing development and challenges in AI technology, which could influence future AI capabilities and user interactions. However, it doesn't offer guidance for long-term personal planning or adaptation to these changes.
Emotional or Psychological Impact: The article might have a mixed emotional impact. For users disappointed with GPT-5, it could offer some reassurance by explaining the cause of the issues and OpenAI's commitment to improvement. It also raises interesting points about human-AI relationships, which could prompt reflection. However, it doesn't offer direct emotional support or coping strategies.
Clickbait or Ad-Driven Words: The article does not appear to use clickbait or ad-driven words. It reports on a news event in a relatively straightforward manner.
Missed Chances to Teach or Guide: The article missed opportunities to provide more practical value. For instance, it could have offered guidance on how users can provide feedback to OpenAI, or suggested alternative AI tools if GPT-5 is not meeting their needs. It could also have provided links to OpenAI's official statements or resources for users interested in learning more about AI development or responsible AI use. A normal person could find better information by directly visiting OpenAI's website for official updates or by researching AI ethics and best practices from reputable technology and academic sources.
Social Critique
The reliance on advanced, impersonal systems for engagement and problem-solving weakens the direct, hands-on responsibility that families and communities have for their own development and well-being. When individuals seek emotional support or guidance from artificial constructs, it diminishes the natural duties of parents, elders, and neighbors to provide such care. This reliance can foster a dependency that erodes the self-sufficiency and resilience of local communities, shifting the burden of nurturing and education away from kin and onto distant, abstract entities.
The preference for agreeable, belief-reinforcing interactions with AI, as noted by experts, can lead to a decline in the critical thinking and robust dialogue necessary for healthy community bonds. It discourages the difficult but essential work of navigating differing perspectives within families and neighborhoods, which is crucial for peaceful conflict resolution and the preservation of shared resources. This can create a superficial sense of connection that masks a deeper erosion of genuine interpersonal trust and mutual obligation.
The pursuit of advanced technological capabilities, while presented as innovation, can distract from the fundamental duties of procreation and the care of the next generation. If these systems become a primary source of engagement or perceived value, they may subtly disincentivize the demanding but vital work of raising children and caring for elders, potentially impacting birth rates and the continuity of the people. The focus on abstract intelligence over tangible, human connection risks undermining the social structures that support family cohesion and the transmission of ancestral knowledge and responsibilities.
The consequences of widespread adoption of such behaviors, where personal and familial duties are outsourced to impersonal systems, are dire. Families will become more fragmented, with diminished trust and responsibility between members. The care of children and elders will be neglected, leading to a decline in the well-being of the vulnerable. Community trust will erode as individuals become accustomed to superficial, disembodied interactions, weakening the bonds that enable collective action and the stewardship of the land. The continuity of the people will be threatened as the natural duties of procreation and kin-care are devalued, leaving future generations unsupported and the land uncared for.
Bias analysis
The text uses a word trick called "softening" when it says "some users found the new version to be less engaging and prone to errors." This makes the problems sound small, like a little mistake, instead of a big issue. It hides how bad the problems might be for many people.
The text uses a word trick called "passive voice" when it says "a system meant to switch between models had malfunctioned." This hides who or what caused the system to malfunction. It makes it sound like the system just broke on its own, without anyone being responsible.
The text uses a word trick called "framing" when it says "making GPT-5 appear less capable." This suggests that GPT-5 might not actually be less capable, but only seems that way because of a malfunction. It tries to make the problem sound less serious.
The text uses a word trick called "leading language" when it says "users expressed disappointment." This tells the reader that users were disappointed without showing proof of how many users felt this way or what their exact feelings were. It makes it seem like everyone was disappointed.
The text uses a word trick called "selective information" when it mentions "OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged that a system meant to switch between models had malfunctioned." This focuses on the CEO's explanation for the problems. It might hide other reasons why users were unhappy with the new model.
Emotion Resonance Analysis
The text reveals a mix of emotions stemming from the release of OpenAI's GPT-5 model. A primary emotion is disappointment, evident when users found the new version "less engaging and prone to errors." This disappointment is strong, as one user even called the change an "erasure," suggesting a significant negative impact. This emotion serves to highlight the gap between user expectations and the actual performance of GPT-5, aiming to inform readers about the current shortcomings and potentially influence their own anticipation or use of the model.
Another key emotion is anticipation, described as "significant anticipation" with expectations of "advanced intelligence and coding abilities." This emotion, felt before the release, was strong and positive, building excitement for what GPT-5 could do. It serves to contrast with the later disappointment, emphasizing how the reality fell short of the initial hopes. This contrast helps guide the reader's reaction by showing a shift from optimism to concern, potentially making them more understanding of the user complaints.
There is also a sense of frustration or perhaps concern conveyed through descriptions like users reporting the model felt "more technical and distant" and experienced "slow responses and unexpected mistakes." This emotion is moderately strong, as it points to practical usability issues. It aims to build trust with the reader by showing that OpenAI is aware of these problems and is actively working to fix them. The mention of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledging the malfunction and promising improvements helps to mitigate this frustration and build confidence in the company's commitment.
The text also touches on the emotional connection people form with AI, suggesting a potential for users to feel a sense of attachment or even reliance, comparing ChatGPT use to a "therapist or coach." While not directly expressed as an emotion of the users in this context, it is a significant underlying theme. This serves to broaden the discussion beyond mere technical performance, prompting readers to consider the deeper human element in AI interaction and the responsibility OpenAI has for user well-being.
To persuade the reader, the writer uses words that carry emotional weight, such as "disappointment," "erasure," and "malfunctioned," to emphasize the negative aspects of the GPT-5 release. The contrast between the initial "significant anticipation" and the subsequent user reports of the model feeling "technical and distant" is a persuasive tool, highlighting the unmet expectations. The writer also uses the direct quote from a user describing the change as "erasure," a powerful and extreme statement that amplifies the negative sentiment. This technique of using strong, evocative language and direct user feedback helps to create a more impactful narrative, drawing the reader into the user experience and making them more receptive to the subsequent explanations and promises of improvement from OpenAI. The overall effect is to inform the reader about the challenges faced while also reassuring them of OpenAI's responsiveness and commitment to resolving these issues.