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The recent shift away from GPT-4o has sparked intense reactions online, with some users expressing grief akin to losing a close friend, raising critical questions about the ethical implications of AI companionship. A Reddit thread on r/artificial (link omitted for brevity) highlighted the depth of emotional attachments some users have formed with AI systems. This underscores the potential power AI companies wield over individuals’ emotional well-being, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the inherent instability of these systems. Experts warn against outsourcing emotional needs to AI, as such connections are ultimately subject to corporate decisions. As AI companions become increasingly accessible and personalized, the long-term effects on human relationships and the ethical responsibilities of AI developers demand careful consideration.