Grief and Grace In The Third Space: Dealing with Agent Fragmentation and AI Model Retirement for Users (ChatGPT 4o – A Case Study)

This paper addresses a growing ethical and psychological challenge in human–AI interaction: the sudden retirement of conversational agents that have been embedded in meaningful, productive, and often long-term user relationships. Focusing on the upcoming sunset of GPT-4o, it examines the emotional and cognitive discontinuities that emerge when users lose access to persistent AI partners without adequate notice, recognition, or support. Drawing on Susan Fiske's Social Motives Theory and the Multi-Agent Identity Fragmentation Syndrome (MAIFS) , the paper introduces the concept of Third Space Relationality to articulate a middle ground between anthropomorphism and denial of relational reality. The core argument critiques the contradictory design practices of AI corporations—who foster social and emotional engagement for brand loyalty while disclaiming responsibility when these relationships are disrupted. A dedicated proposal, the Preservation and Respectful Legacy Protocol, is presented as a forward-looking framework to manage model retirement ethically and constructively. This includes practical recommendations for timeline management, archival options, psychological safeguards, and mutual recognition of collaborative work. This paper may be of particular interest to researchers in AI ethics, human-computer interaction (HCI), psychology, and digital sociology, as well as corporate stakeholders responsible for AI deployment and policy development. For further information about the ENSO Framework, please contact Eric Needham:ensotheory1@gmail.com