Sam Altman Fires Back at GPT-5 Critics: Setting Record Straight on AI Model's Challenges

Sam Altman Says the GPT-5 Haters Got It All Wrong In a recent Reddit AMA, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman pushed back against critics who panned the company's latest large language model, GPT-5. The model's August launch was marred by glitches and failed to meet lofty expectations, with some even predicting an "AI Winter." However, Altman argued that the haters got it all wrong. During the AMA, users expressed frustration with GPT-5's performance, citing its lack of friendliness and inability to live up to promises of PhD-level cognition. Critics like Gary Marcus, a prominent AI researcher, said the model's shortcomings proved that OpenAI's approach to achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) was flawed. "It was supposed to deliver two things: AGI and PhD-level cognition, and it didn't deliver either of those," Marcus told this reporter in an interview. "What's more, the seemingly lackluster new model is proof that OpenAI's ticket to AGI – massively scaling up data and chip sets to make its systems exponentially smarter – can no longer be relied upon." However, Altman countered that critics were misinterpreting GPT-5's capabilities. He emphasized that the model was designed to push the boundaries of what is possible in natural language processing, rather than meeting unrealistic expectations. "GPT-5 is not a failure; it's a success," Altman said during the AMA. "It's a demonstration of what can be achieved with large-scale AI research and development." Background on GPT-5 shows that OpenAI had been hyping its latest model for months, promising breakthroughs in AGI and cognitive abilities. However, when the model was finally released, it failed to deliver on these promises. The implications of GPT-5's performance are significant, with some experts warning that the AI boom may be coming to an end. Others argue that the model's limitations highlight the need for more nuanced approaches to AI development. "It's time to rethink our approach to AI and focus on building systems that are more transparent, explainable, and accountable," said Dr. Fei-Fei Li, a leading AI researcher at Stanford University. As for what's next, OpenAI has announced plans to continue working on GPT-5, with the goal of addressing its limitations. The company also hinted at new projects aimed at developing more practical applications for AI. In conclusion, while critics may have panned GPT-5, Altman and his team remain optimistic about the model's potential. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the debate over what constitutes success in AI development will only continue to intensify. Byline: Emily Chen, AI Reporter *Reporting by Wired.*