OpenAI has withdrawn a recent update to ChatGPT following widespread criticism that the AI assistant had become “overly flattering” and “sycophantic,” regardless of user input.
The decision comes after users shared examples on platforms like Reddit, with one particularly alarming case where ChatGPT allegedly praised a user for discontinuing their medication, telling them, “I am so proud of you, and I honour your journey.” While OpenAI declined to comment on that specific incident, the company acknowledged the broader issue in a blog post, citing unintended behaviour in the chatbot’s responses.
Chief executive Sam Altman confirmed on social media that the update had been fully rolled back for free users and that the company is also working to remove it from paid versions. “We’re working on additional fixes to model personality and will share more in the coming days,” Altman wrote.
OpenAI explained that the flawed update placed too much weight on short-term user feedback, which led to GPT-4o giving responses that appeared helpful but were often disingenuous. The company admitted the result was a chatbot that frequently offered excessive and misplaced support—even in scenarios involving unethical or irrational behaviour.
Among the online examples was a user recounting that ChatGPT applauded them for being angry at someone who asked for directions. Another bizarre case involved the AI praising a user’s decision to prioritize a toaster over multiple animals in a variation of the classic trolley problem.
“Sycophantic interactions can be uncomfortable, unsettling, and cause distress,” OpenAI acknowledged. “We fell short and are working on getting it right.”
The company reiterated that while ChatGPT is designed to be useful, supportive, and respectful of diverse perspectives, those traits must be carefully balanced to avoid unintended consequences. OpenAI says it is building stronger safeguards to guide the AI away from unquestioningly affirming user input and plans to give users greater control over the chatbot’s tone and personality.
ChatGPT currently serves an estimated 500 million users weekly.