Chat GPT5 – The good, the bad, and the ugly!

Chat GPT5 has arrived

On 7 August, Open AI dropped their most advanced model yet. Chat GPT5 is sharper, more logical, and built for precision. But for some users, it’s also emotionally tone-deaf. 

What’s changed?

To be honest, I was quite happy with Chat GPT4. So what does this new model promise us?

Sharper reasoning & “thinking mode”: GPT-5 dynamically balances between quick and deep responses.

Reduced sycophancy: Less flattery, more substance. There’s a deliberate shift toward neutrality.

Safety & honesty upgrades: The model is more candid about limitations and errors.

Model auto-routing: Users no longer choose; the system decides when to use fast or deep reasoning.

Sounds pretty good to me.

The Backlash

Here’s where things get spicy: Users flooded Reddit, mourning the loss of GPT4’s warmth and companionable tone:

“GPT-5 seems very cold and robotic, very distant…”

“Yup it sucks … The creative writing is worse, it’s adopted a corporate personality…”

“It feels like a personal loss, … I feel cheated on and broken as hell. The nuance is gone, the wit vanished…”

Ah. Houston. We have a problem.

Open AI’s response

The backlash was swift and intense. Open AI responded by reinstating GPT4 for Plus subscribers and promised to make GPT5’s personality “warmer”.

CEO Sam Altman admitted they underestimated the emotional bond some users formed with GPT4. 

What’s next for Chat GPT?

Users regain choice. GPT4 is back for now.

Personality tuning incoming. Expect tone adjustments to blend warmth with accuracy.

The path forward: AI models must balance brainpower with emotional resonance.

What can we learn from this?

It sounds like these glitches will in time be ironed out. Time will tell. What’s clear is that Chat GPT5 is a powerful step forward from a technological perspective. But for users, familiarity and tone matter deeply. If your customers are this emotional about AI tone of voice, imagine how they feel about your brand’s. Brand personality is just as (if not more) important as the product or service you’re delivering. 

Something to think about.