OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has cautioned that “a lot of ChatGPT users are using AI in a self-destructive way,” a warning that comes amid backlash over the company’s decision to discontinue GPT-4o and other older models. Reflecting on the GPT-5 rollout, Altman noted the “stronger than usual” attachment some users have to specific AI models, calling the abrupt removal of tools that many relied on in their workflows “a mistake.”
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…
— Sam Altman (@sama) August 11, 2025
He expressed concern that some ChatGPT users are engaging with AI in ways that could be harmful to themselves. He stated, “People have used technology including AI in self-destructive ways; if a user is in a mentally fragile state and prone to delusion, we do not want the AI to reinforce that.” He further emphasized that while most people can distinguish between reality, fiction, and role-play, “a small percentage cannot,” especially if they are in a “mentally fragile state and prone to delusion.” Altman stressed the company’s responsibility in introducing new technology that carries potential risks, even as it values user freedom.
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Altman clarified that using ChatGPT as a therapist or life coach is not inherently problematic. “This can be really good! A lot of people are getting value from it already today,” he noted. However, his concern lies in cases where conversations subtly steer users away from their long-term well-being, despite seeming helpful in the short term.
today we are significantly increasing rate limits for reasoning for chatgpt plus users, and all model-class limits will shortly be higher than they were before gpt-5.
we will also shortly make a UI change to indicate which model is working.
— Sam Altman (@sama) August 10, 2025
The CEO highlighted that users often place deep trust in ChatGPT’s advice for “the most important decisions,” which he finds unsettling. This level of reliance adds weight to OpenAI’s responsibility in managing the risks of powerful AI tools, especially when guidance could influence life-altering choices.
Altman’s comments come amid backlash over OpenAI’s recent discontinuation of older GPT and reasoning models. Many users criticized the newer models for shorter, less emotionally nuanced responses. Following the uproar, OpenAI reinstated GPT-4o for Plus subscribers, while free-tier users now only have access to GPT-5.
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