GPT-5 backlash grows over ‘sanitised’ answers, Sam Altman responds
In his post addressing criticism against GPT-5, Sam Altman claimed that users have formed surprisingly strong emotional attachments to former models of the AI.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has dismissed recent criticism of the company’s newly launched GPT-5 model. There’s a growing discontent among users who are comparing the latest AI model to the older versions, claiming that it lacks depth while answering questions and also responds in an emotionally distant manner. Some accused this new model of being a way for the company to lower its costs instead of pushing the boundaries of the frontier.

Also Read: ChatGPT-5 sparks fierce debate after major upgrade: ‘Best AI ever or a huge letdown?’
Addressing the criticism, Altman tweeted, “If you have been following the GPT-5 rollout, one thing you might be noticing is how much of an attachment some people have to specific AI models. It feels different and stronger than the kinds of attachment people have had to previous kinds of technology (and so suddenly deprecating old models that users depended on in their workflows was a mistake).” While sharing the post, he clarified, “This is just my current thinking, and not yet an official OpenAI position.”
In the following lines, he continued that people have used several technologies, including AI, in self-destructive ways. He said that “if a user is in a mentally fragile state and prone to delusion," then the company certainly doesn't want to reinforce that with AI.
“Most users can keep a clear line between reality and fiction or role-play, but a small percentage cannot. We value user freedom as a core principle, but we also feel responsible in how we introduce new technology with new risks,” he continued.
Also Read: Know why thousands are slamming OpenAI's 'horrible' GPT-5 on social media
Recently, a report by researchers from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) claimed that ChatGPT gave dangerous advice to teens on suicide, self-harm and drug use.
While discussing the value of user freedom, Sam Altman stressed the responsibility associated with AI, claiming that billions may rely on it for major decisions in the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHORTrisha SenguptaTrisha Sengupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of digital newsroom experience. Specialising in high-engagement storytelling, she blends viral trends with traditional journalism to cover the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. Her reporting spans real estate and personal finance struggles in hubs like Bengaluru and Gurgaon, the NRI experience, and corporate shifts like tech layoffs. Trisha also frequently tracks global figures and writes human interest stories. Offline, Trisha is an avid reader, history enthusiast and solo traveler. She balances her journalism career with family life while actively integrating AI tools into her modern storytelling approach.Read More

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