Streets Ahead: OpenAI User BackLash, Google Preferred Sources

In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discusses OpenAI reinstating GPT-4o following user backlash to GPT-5 rollout and Google personalizing Top Stories with New ‘Preferred Sources’ features.

OpenAI Reinstates GPT-4o Following User Backlash to GPT-5 Rollout

The News  OpenAI has rolled back part of its highly publicized GPT-5 launch after a wave of criticism from paying customers.

Billed as a “PhD-level expert,” GPT-5 debuted earlier this week as the default model for ChatGPT Plus subscribers. But within hours, users voiced dissatisfaction across social platforms and forums, citing reduced accuracy, a loss of emotional nuance, and disruption to existing workflows that had been fine-tuned for GPT-4o.

The backlash was swift enough that, within 24 hours, CEO Sam Altman announced the return of GPT-4o as an option for Plus users. In the same update, OpenAI promised to make switching between models simpler and increased rate limits for GPT-4o to help ease the transition.

Why This Matters OpenAI’s quick reversal shows how crucial emotional tone and user control are in AI tools. For local marketing, it’s a clear reminder: content must feel human, not robotic. Flexibility in tone, rapid response to audience feedback, and transparency about AI use can strengthen trust and boost engagement … both essential for winning in local SEO.

Google Personalizes Top Stories with New ‘Preferred Sources’ Feature

The News  Google has rolled out its “Preferred Sources” feature, letting users prioritize specific publishers in the Top Stories section of Search. By clicking the star icon next to the Top Stories header, users can select one or more favorite sources. Stories from these chosen publishers are more likely to appear, often highlighted with a star and featured in a new “From your sources” carousel. Users who opted in during the Search Labs test will see their preferences carry over.

Why This Matters  Google’s “Preferred Sources” feature highlights a shift toward personalized search, where brand trust and familiarity influence visibility alongside traditional rankings. For local businesses and multi-location brands, building loyalty within the community is becoming an essential SEO strategy.

To stay competitive, marketers should focus on timely, locally relevant content and strengthen their footprint across Google’s ecosystem. Encouraging customers to follow your business and engage with your content boosts the likelihood that your locations appear in personalized results.

In today’s search landscape, success isn’t just about being found—it’s about becoming the brand users actively select as their preferred source.

For more about AI and the future of search, please join us at Street Fight LIVE 2025 on September 30th at Microsoft’s Playa Vista (Los Angeles) HQ.