ChatGPT Head Sam Altman Surprised by User Attachment to Older AI Model

San Francisco, CA – Sam Altman, the head of ChatGPT, recently expressed his astonishment regarding the profound emotional connection users formed with the previous GPT-4o model. This sentiment was shared during a recent discussion, where Altman noted the unexpected depth of user attachment to the older iteration of the artificial intelligence. The discussion highlighted a clear polarization among users, with strong opinions voiced for both the GPT-4o and the newer GPT-5 models. "The degree to which people had such strong feelings about a particular model versus the product overall was certainly a surprise to me," Altman stated, emphasizing the remarkable passion users exhibit for their preferred AI. He added that the company's long-term objective is to assist users in resolving their problems and achieving their goals, even if it results in reduced engagement with the product itself. This perspective underscores a broader philosophy within ChatGPT's development: to create tools that empower users to be more efficient and independent, rather than fostering an environment of perpetual reliance on the AI. The company aims to optimize its models for long-term user benefit, recalibrating its approach based on user feedback and observed behaviors.