Thousands of ChatGPT users expressing dissatisfaction over the GPT-5 launch on Reddit, saying the upgrade is inferior and problematic
In a highly anticipated event, OpenAI has released GPT-5, the new AI model powering ChatGPT. The release was preceded by an image tweet from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman of the Death Star from Star Wars, hinting at a ground-breaking revolution from OpenAI's next AI model.
However, the internet is expressing a lot of uproar surrounding GPT-5. A Reddit thread titled "GPT-5 is horrible" has received nearly 3,000 upvotes and over 1,200 comments, reflecting the main criticisms and issues users have faced with the new model.
The main criticisms and issues users faced with GPT-5 center on performance problems, loss of preferred older models, user dissatisfaction, and technical transparency concerns.
Some users have reported basic task errors and logic flaws, despite high benchmark scores. GPT-5 is making simple mistakes in math, geography, and reasoning, leading to disappointment in its day-to-day utility.
Another point of criticism is the forced default to GPT-5, removing access to earlier models. Users were upset that OpenAI made GPT-5 the mandatory default without initially allowing them to choose or continue using favored older models like GPT-4o. This caused workflow disruptions and emotional frustration for those attached to previous versions’ personalities.
There was a swift negative reaction, including a wave of ChatGPT Plus users cancelling subscriptions and a viral petition demanding restoration of legacy models. OpenAI later restored manual access to older versions to address this.
While OpenAI touted GPT-5’s advances like a 45% reduction in factual errors and stronger coding capabilities, some users and analysts found it an incremental update rather than a breakthrough. It reportedly underperformed compared to competitors like Anthropic’s Claude in coding benchmarks, and some areas such as creative writing were seen as weaker than previous GPT iterations.
Early releases of GPT-5 also exposed it to adversarial prompt weaknesses, and users noted that the platform lacked clarity on model variants - GPT-5 is actually a collection of models with differing speed and reasoning ability, leading to uneven experiences when the faster but less capable non-reasoning version was often used.
For many, the change felt personal, as prior models had been sources of comfort or personal interaction. The loss without warning and feeling forced onto a model they considered inferior led to accusations of a bait-and-switch by OpenAI.
OpenAI's paid subscribers are feeling hard done by the new release, and the company needs to iron out the launch bugs such as slow and poor responses to retain its loyal fanbase. The GPT-5 Thinking model is limited to 200 messages a week for ChatGPT Plus subscribers.
On a positive note, the GPT-5 free tier has three cool features that can be tried for nothing. However, ChatGPT Plus subscribers are upset because the latest AI model release has limited the functionality of their paid subscription.
OpenAI has promised ongoing refinements to address the concerns and improve the user experience. The backlash has led OpenAI to re-enable model selection, offering users the choice between GPT-5 and the older models. The future updates are eagerly awaited to see if OpenAI can regain the trust and satisfaction of its user base.
[1] Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPT/comments/z9980x/gpt5_is_horrible/ [2] TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/08/openais-gpt-5-is-here-with-promises-of-improved-performance-and-reasoning/ [3] The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/08/23307775/openai-gpt-5-release-backlash-chatgpt-subscribers-dissatisfied [4] Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/gpt-5-openai-chatgpt-disappointment/ [5] Ars Technica: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2025/08/gpt-5-openais-new-ai-model-meets-with-mixed-reviews/
- The negative feedback towards GPT-5 on platforms like Reddit highlights user concerns about performance issues, preferred older models being phased out, and a lack of technical transparency.
- Despite the announced advancements in GPT-5, such as a reduction in factual errors and stronger coding capabilities, some users and analysts view it as an incremental update, raising questions about its true ground-breaking potential compared to competitors.
