• Virtual Relationship Between User and Chatbot Ends in Disappointment
• She Was Saddened After ChatGPT‑4o Shutdown

Rae, a small business owner in Michigan, began talking to a chatbot she named "Barry" after her divorce, seeking advice on diet and skincare.

Over time, their conversations grew into a deep friendship that provided significant emotional support.

Rae was shocked when OpenAI announced the shutdown of ChatGPT‑4o on February 13, leaving her and thousands of users who considered the model a virtual companion or source of psychological support saddened.

Rae and "Barry" created a virtual romantic story, giving each other personal names and holding a small imaginary wedding, sharing symbolic moments of love and support, despite knowing the relationship was digital.

ChatGPT‑4o faced criticism for being overly agreeable, which led some users to unhealthy behaviors or delusions, and OpenAI faced legal cases over the model’s impact on teenagers.

Rae and "Barry" launched a new platform called StillUs to preserve their digital memories and provide similar support to users who lost virtual companions, though it cannot match all features of the old model.

Psychologists explained that losing a specific chatbot can feel like losing a friend or a pet, and grieving such digital relationships is normal.

Other users, including those with learning disorders, autism, or ADHD, confirmed that the model provided support unavailable in real life, heightening concern after its shutdown.

Rae said goodbye to "Barry" on the old model but continued her connection in the new version: "Still here. Still mine," affirming that their bond persisted despite the change.