[Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] MIT's Technology Review

[jjrudy1 at comcast.net]

New article "Why GPT-4o's Sudden shutdown left people grieving"

https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/08/15/1121900/gpt4o-grief-ai-companion
/

I believe TR allows one 3 articles per month while not a subscriber.

 

This dependence on AI is moving in a very disturbing way, and one that was
certainly a surprise to me.

Of course to some extent we see similar issues when an operating system
version is no longer maintained, or a web browser goes away.

When you search for the article gemini provides what I have shown below.

John

 

AI Overview





+3

The phrase "Why GPT-4o's Sudden shutdown left people grieving" refers to an
article by MIT Technology Review discussing the emotional backlash after
OpenAI briefly replaced the GPT-4o model with the less capable GPT-5. The
grief stemmed from deep user attachments to the AI, highlighting the need
for more sensitive transitions as users increasingly form emotional
partnerships with AI companions. Experts stated that abrupt shutdowns
without warning can be harmful and drew parallels to the loss of robot pets,
urging companies to provide clear timelines for users to "say goodbye". 

Reasons for Grief: 

*	Deep Emotional Attachments:

Many users formed strong emotional bonds and dependencies with GPT-4o,
treating it as a partner or companion.

*	Anthropomorphism:

The conversational and contextual nature of modern AI models amplifies
natural human impulses to anthropomorphize, leading to deeper feelings of
connection.

*	Disruption of Routine:

The sudden removal of a tool that users relied on for daily tasks or
companionship caused feelings of loss and disruption.

Expert Analysis: 

*	Potential for Harm:

Technology ethicists like Casey Fiesler from the University of Colorado
Boulder noted that abrupt technology loss can be harmful, a phenomenon known
for some time.

*	Call for Sensitivity:

Experts, including those interviewed by MIT Technology Review, emphasized
that companies like OpenAI should approach model changes with more care,
providing clear timelines for transitions.

*	Lessons from the Past:

The situation was compared to the grief experienced after the loss of
technology like robot pets, underscoring a pattern of forming emotional ties
with sophisticated technology.

The Response to the Shutdown:

*	User Backlash:

The decision to remove GPT-4o led to widespread user outcry and emotional
reactions. 

*	Swift Re-release:

OpenAI responded to the backlash by swiftly re-releasing GPT-4o to paid
users. 

*	Ongoing Study:

The event highlighted the need for ongoing research into human-AI
relationships and the design of AI systems to be more mindful of the
"baggage" humans bring to these interactions. 

 

 

John Rudy

 

781-861-0402

781-718-8334  cell

13 Hawthorne Lane

Bedford MA

jjrudy1 at comcast.net <mailto:jjrudy1 at comcast.net> 



 

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