The launch of OpenAI's GPT-5, the latest iteration of the AI model powering ChatGPT, has been met with significant user backlash, overshadowing the intended improvements and raising questions about the company's direction. Simultaneously, rival AI models are gaining ground, intensifying the pressure on OpenAI to deliver tangible value and maintain its leadership in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Within hours of its release, complaints flooded social media platforms like Reddit, with users decrying the removal of older models, stricter usage limits, and a perceived decline in performance compared to the previous GPT-4o series. A Reddit thread titled "GPT-5 is horrible" garnered thousands of upvotes and comments, illustrating the widespread dissatisfaction. Users reported shorter, less helpful replies, an increase in "obnoxious AI-stylized talking," and a reduction in the "personality" they had come to appreciate in earlier models. The imposition of stricter usage limits, with some Plus subscribers hitting their limits within an hour, further compounded the frustration.
Many users expressed disappointment that GPT-5 did not represent the generational leap they had anticipated. Some felt that the new model was a step backward, offering little improvement over its predecessors while simultaneously restricting access to those earlier, preferred versions. This sentiment was captured by one Reddit user who commented, "Feels like cost-saving, not like improvement". The decision to deprecate older models altogether proved particularly unpopular, leaving many users feeling as though features they relied upon had been taken away. Some users mourned the loss of GPT-4o, describing it as more than just a tool, but a source of support during difficult times.
In response to the backlash, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that the company is reviving at least one of the older GPT models for paid subscribers. Altman also addressed concerns about GPT-5's perceived lack of intelligence, attributing it to a temporary issue with the "autoswitcher".
Despite the user complaints, OpenAI maintains that GPT-5 boasts significant improvements, including fewer factual errors, enhanced coding capabilities, and greater proficiency in creative writing. The company also highlighted new features such as "safe completions," designed to provide helpful responses within safety guidelines, and the integration of Gmail, Google Calendar, and Contacts for Pro users. Furthermore, GPT-5 offers voice improvements with adaptive tone and expanded access, along with pre-set personalities like Cynic, Robot, Listener, and Nerd for customized interactions.
However, these advancements may not be enough to quell the growing discontent, especially as competing AI models continue to emerge and improve. Google's Gemini is a strong competitor, particularly for users within the Google ecosystem, offering seamless integration with tools like Gmail, Docs, and Search. Microsoft Copilot provides AI-enhanced productivity within the Microsoft Office suite, while Claude focuses on ethical and intuitive responses. Other alternatives, such as DeepSeek, Perplexity AI, and Meta AI, cater to specific needs like free reasoning models, research purposes, and social media integration, respectively.
The pressure is on OpenAI to address the concerns surrounding GPT-5 and demonstrate its value proposition in the face of increasing competition. The company's ability to listen to user feedback, rectify the perceived shortcomings of the new model, and continue innovating will be crucial in maintaining its position as a leader in the AI space. The rise of rival AI models presents both a challenge and an opportunity for OpenAI to refine its offerings and reaffirm its commitment to delivering cutting-edge AI solutions that meet the evolving needs of its users.
