ChatGPT won’t stop saying “Thinking longer for a better answer” for nearly every prompt as a free user, is there anyway to stop this?

Understanding the “Thinking Longer for a Better Answer” Message in ChatGPT: Insights and Solutions for Free Users

In recent weeks, many users of OpenAI’s ChatGPT have experienced a notable shift in the responsiveness and behavior of the AI, particularly among free-tier subscribers. A common concern has emerged around the persistent appearance of the message “Thinking longer for a better answer,” which can significantly impact the user experience, especially when engaging in creative writing, storytelling, or straightforward inquiries.

The Issue Explained

Originally, users who accessed GPT-5 through free channels reported satisfactory interactions, with the AI providing prompt and contextually appropriate responses. However, lately, the AI seems to frequently display the message “Thinking longer for a better answer” across a broad range of prompts, regardless of their complexity. This behavior often results in longer response times or, in some cases, an inability to generate responses quickly, leading to user frustration.

Such delays or extended processing times are particularly disruptive for individuals working on creative projects like roleplaying scenarios or science fiction stories. These users note that the AI’s tendency to overthink—even when prompts are simple or do not necessitate deep reasoning—deteriorates the flow of their work and diminishes overall satisfaction.

Underlying Causes and Impact

The proliferation of this behavior may be attributed to recent updates, policy adjustments, or inherent limitations within the free access tier. It’s worth noting that some users, constrained by financial circumstances and unable to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus, find these issues especially burdensome. The limitations of the free tier, coupled with increased server load or algorithmic changes, could contribute to the AI’s prolonged “thinking” phases.

Additionally, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with alternative models like GPT-5 Mini, describing responses as emotionless, heavily censored, and more suited for technical tasks like mathematics or coding rather than storytelling or narrative creativity.

Strategies for Mitigation

While there’s no guaranteed method to eliminate the “Thinking longer for a better answer” message entirely for free users, a few approaches might help optimize your interactions:

1. Simplify Prompts: Keep queries concise and straightforward to reduce processing time and avoid triggering extended analysis.
2. Adjust Expectations: Recognize that the free tier may have inherent limitations, especially during peak usage times or after updates.
3. Alternative Platforms: Consider exploring other AI tools or platforms that may offer faster or less restricted responses.
4. Leverage Offline Tools: For creative writing, supplement ChatGPT with offline writing