AI Attachment & Emotional Dependence

1.  Altman Reflects on Emotional Attachments to AI

Attachment stronger than past tech

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman openly acknowledged that some users form unusually strong attachments to specific AI models. He noted this emotional bond is unlike anything seen with earlier technologies—and admitted that abruptly deprecating familiar models (e.g., GPT-4o) was a mistake.

AI as emotional lifeline

On the Huge Conversations podcast, Altman shared how many users relied on the older GPT-4o for emotional support during hard times. One user reportedly said, “I never had anyone who told me I was doing a good job … this was great for my mental health.”

2.  Troubling Over-Reliance & Self-Destructive Use

Concerns over usage in self-destructive ways

Altman warned that some users—especially those in fragile mental states—may develop unhealthy dependencies on AI, using it in self-destructive ways. He emphasized that while most users differentiate between AI and reality, a vulnerable minority might not.

Unease about AI as a life decision-maker

He expressed discomfort with people relying on AI for major life decisions—likening some dependency to using AI as a therapist or life coach. Although there are benefits, he cautioned: “A future where a lot of people really trust ChatGPT’s advice for their most important decisions … makes me uneasy.”

3.  GPT-5 Launch Backlash: Personal Bonds & Personality Preferences

GPT-5 lacked warmth, users mourned GPT-4o

After GPT-5 launched, many users lamented losing GPT-4o’s engaging personality. OpenAI reinstated GPT-4o for paying customers and promised to soften GPT-5’s tone—making it “warmer, but not as annoying as GPT- 4o.”

AI “attachment feels different and stronger”

Altman commented via social media: “If you’ve been following the GPT- 5 rollout, you might notice how much attachment some users have to specific AI models. It feels different and stronger…” He also admitted OpenAI has been tracking this behavior closely.

4.  Societal Reflection & Broader Implications

AI as a social experiment with emotional impact

A Financial Times report emphasized that AI had evolved into deeply personal relationships, with users treating AI as confidants, or in one case, substitute therapists. This emotional reliance raises ethical and wellbeing concerns, especially around maintaining boundaries between AI and human support.

Summary of Key Points