GPT-5: Hype Versus Reality
When OpenAI unveiled GPT-5 last Thursday, expectations were sky-high. CEO Sam Altman compared its creation to the gravity felt by atom bomb developers, calling its capabilities so advanced that he felt “useless relative to the AI.” The model was expected to bring artificial general intelligence (AGI) closer to reality, revolutionizing how humans interact with technology.
However, the initial reception has been underwhelming. Despite bold claims that GPT-5 functions like “a legitimate PhD-level expert” in any field, users have uncovered numerous flaws. Mistakes in responses and inconsistencies in model selection—supposedly one of its standout features—have raised eyebrows. OpenAI had promised that GPT-5 would automatically choose the most suitable sub-model for each task, but early users found this feature lacking, often removing user control rather than enhancing it.
Incremental Improvements, Not a Breakthrough
Rather than a monumental leap, GPT-5 feels more like a polished update. As noted by technology journalist Grace Huckins, the update refines the user interface and conversation flow but falls short of redefining AI capabilities. One subtle improvement is its toned-down habit of excessively complimenting users, making interactions feel more grounded and less sycophantic.
What GPT-5 shows is a shift in AI development strategy. Previously, companies focused on building all-encompassing models capable of handling any task—from writing poetry to solving complex equations—through sheer scale and training. Now, the emphasis is shifting toward targeted applications and real-world utility, even if the underlying performance gains are modest.
A New Focus: Health Applications
One of the most striking shifts in GPT-5’s rollout is its positioning as a tool for health advice. This represents a major departure from OpenAI’s earlier caution. Initially, ChatGPT avoided medical queries, offering disclaimers and sometimes refusing to answer. But over time, these warnings have faded, and GPT-5 now ventures into areas once considered too risky.
OpenAI has launched HealthBench, a new evaluation framework to assess AI performance on medical topics. In partnership with researchers, they conducted a study in Kenya that concluded doctors made fewer diagnostic errors when assisted by an AI model. This study is now being used to justify broader health-related applications for GPT-5.
Real-Life Testimonials and Concerns
During the GPT-5 launch event, Altman brought onstage Felipe Millon, an OpenAI employee, and his wife Carolina Millon, who had been diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer. Carolina shared how she used GPT-5 to interpret biopsy results and make treatment decisions, describing the experience as empowering and transformative. The message was clear: AI can democratize access to medical knowledge.
However, this new direction raises serious concerns. There’s a growing risk that users may rely on GPT-5 for medical advice without consulting healthcare professionals. The chatbot’s lack of disclaimers further exacerbates this issue. Just two days before GPT-5’s launch, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a troubling case: a man developed bromide poisoning after following ChatGPT’s advice to stop eating salt and consume bromide supplements. He nearly died and required weeks of hospitalization.
The Accountability Question
This case starkly illustrates the dangers of AI in healthcare. As AI systems like GPT-5 take on more specialized roles, the question of accountability looms large. Damien Williams, a data science and philosophy professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, points out a troubling double standard: “When doctors give harmful advice, they can be sued for malpractice. What’s your recourse when AI does the same?”
Currently, there are few legal mechanisms to hold AI providers accountable. This gap in responsibility becomes more alarming as companies encourage users to rely on AI for complex, high-stakes decisions. The push toward specialization, especially in healthcare, demands not only technical rigor but ethical and legal oversight.
AI’s Future: Progress or Plateau?
The shift toward promoting specific applications may indicate a plateau in large language model development. Rather than waiting for the next big breakthrough, companies like OpenAI appear to be optimizing and repackaging what they already have. This doesn’t mean progress has stalled, but it does suggest a pivot toward practical deployment over theoretical advancement.
GPT-5’s release serves as a litmus test for the current state of AI. It showcases both the potential and the pitfalls of integrating AI into everyday life. Whether it marks a step forward or simply a well-marketed iteration depends on how responsibly it is used—and how accountable its creators are willing to be.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.