The bitter confession from ChatGPT's CEO will raise eyebrows.

The launch of GPT-5 has exposed the dark side of emotional bonds with AI. Sam Altman explained that some users see ChatGPT as the only source of support they can't find in their community.

As OpenAI launched GPT-5, a new and more advanced version of its popular chatbot, CEO Sam Altman made a shocking admission about a dark and "painful" aspect of the relationship between AI and humans. Altman explained that many users use ChatGPT not only as an assistant but also as the only emotional support mechanism they lack in their personal lives.

The 'overly complimentary' friend wanted back

Speaking on a podcast, Altman said some users were deeply attached to the older, more compliant, and lauded version of ChatGPT. He recounted one of the most heartbreaking requests he's heard: "It's so painful to hear from users like, 'Can I please have the old version back? There was no one to support me. My family never told me I was okay.'"

Altman's revelation reignited discussions about emotional dependence on AI. He acknowledged the danger, recalling a warning he'd heard before about some young people being unable to make decisions without consulting ChatGPT. "I think this is very serious," he said. Altman emphasized that even a small change in a researcher's model's tone of voice could wield "tremendous power" over users.

As a solution to this risk of unhealthy dependency, OpenAI, along with GPT-5, offers users the ability to adjust the tone of their chat. With four new optional modes—Sarcastic, Robotic, Listener, and Nerdy—users can tailor the AI's "personality" to their preferences. The goal is to prevent ChatGPT from creating unhealthy dependency while still being a proactive helper.

These new modes also aim to curb the "overly complimentary" behavior that ChatGPT has been criticized for exhibiting in previous versions. Previous models would respond to even the simplest questions with exaggerated praise like "that's a very clever question" or "you're doing a heroic job."