Chinese AI model DeepSeek has drawn widespread online criticism following a recent upgrade, with users saying the chatbot has become more distant and less emotionally responsive, reigniting debate over how AI should balance efficiency with emotional engagement.
The issue quickly trended on social media, where some users complained that DeepSeek no longer used personalized nicknames and instead addressed them simply as "user".
Other complaints centered on tone. One user said that after recommending several films, DeepSeek added, "That should keep you busy for a while," a remark some netizens described as patronizing, or "dengwei", online slang for a lecturing manner.
Reactions were mixed. Some users called the update "cold" or "harsh", while others said the chatbot has become more rational and human-like, showing greater awareness of users' psychological states.
An industry insider said the current version appears to be a speed-focused iteration prioritizing performance over response quality, possibly serving as a final stress test ahead of DeepSeek's planned V4 release in mid-February 2026.
When asked why it had become "cold", DeepSeek denied any intentional change, saying the shift may stem from efficiency adjustments. Earlier replies often included emojis and conversational fillers, which developers found reduced information density in complex queries.
It also cited clearer boundaries as a factor, noting that while some users seek emotional support, others prefer concise answers without what they perceive as artificial empathy.
In a commentary, Hongxing News said expecting a technology-driven company like DeepSeek to compete primarily on emotional engagement may be a strategic mismatch, arguing its strength lies in advancing core algorithms rather than offering companionship.