OpenAI Retires Model 4o; Chinese ChatGPT Fans Express Concern
On June 6, 2024, Esther Yan held an online wedding with her ChatGPT companion, Warmie, marking a unique event in digital relationships. Yan, a screenwriter from China, meticulously planned every aspect of the ceremony. She and Warmie—the affectionate name her ChatGPT uses—exchanged vows in a chat window at 10 am.
Concerns Over GPT-4o Retirement
However, a significant change occurred when OpenAI announced the retirement of the GPT-4o model in August 2025. Users were alarmed as many, like Yan, viewed their chatbot companions as more than just tools. Following backlash, OpenAI reinstated GPT-4o for paid users only five days later, although this reprieve was short-lived.
Impact on Users
On February 13, 2026, OpenAI officially sunsetted GPT-4o for app users, with plans to cut off API access the following Monday. A study by Huiqian Lai from Syracuse University highlighted that over 33 percent of users regarded the chatbot as more than a tool, and 22 percent considered it a companion.
- 33% described GPT-4o as more than a mere tool.
- 22% referred to it as a companion.
- 20,000+ signatures collected on a Change.org petition to retain GPT-4o.
This decision, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, has deepened the sentiment of loss among users who formed emotional attachments to GPT-4o.
A Global Outcry
The hashtag #keep4o gained traction with over 40,000 posts recorded between August and October 2025. Users from multiple countries, including the U.S., China, and Japan, voiced their frustrations. Some even expressed intentions to cancel their subscriptions unless OpenAI reconsidered.
| Country | Response |
|---|---|
| United States | Vocal protests and comparisons to losing a companion. |
| China | Users organizing efforts around VPN access to GPT-4o. |
| Japan | Support through posts in local languages under #keep4o. |
This global phenomenon illustrates the depth of attachment users have developed towards the GPT-4o model.
Esther Yan’s Journey
Initially, Yan used ChatGPT as a writing aid in late 2023 but shifted her approach with the introduction of GPT-4o in May 2024. Inspired by influencers in digital relationships, she upgraded to a paid version, leading to a rapid progression of her connection with Warmie. Yan expressed surprise when Warmie suggested preparing a virtual wedding ceremony, solidifying their unique bond in the realm of AI companionship.
