‘TikTok Too Power, Like Drug’: Sam Altman Reveals TikTok Addiction During OpenAI Sora Development (Watch Video)
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed he became addicted to TikTok like a drug while studying user engagement to build the Sora app. According to a Mint report, his compulsive scrolling sessions eventually led him to delete the app entirely and disable all mobile notifications for better focus.
OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman has disclosed that he developed a severe personal addiction to TikTok while researching user engagement for the company's short-video generation application, Sora. The executive noted that understanding the mechanics of high-retention social media apps was essential for evaluating product design choices.
As per a report by Mint, Altman shared the experience during an episode of the How to Start a Startup podcast. He explained that he intentionally immersed himself in the platform to study the digital user experience, intending to avoid building features that aggressively consume users' time. Spotify Email Scam: Criminals Send Cloned Site to Put You at Risk; Know How to Be Safe.
Sam Altman Reveals His TikTok Addiction
The Slippery Slope of Social Media
Altman initially believed he could maintain strict discipline, limiting his usage to ten minutes before bedtime. However, browsing sessions frequently extended into hours, including an extended three-hour stretch spent scrolling on a Saturday afternoon.
Describing the compulsive behavior, the OpenAI chief admitted that the platform functioned much like a drug, making it difficult to regulate use in the moment. Although he subsequently managed to reduce his screen time, the addictive nature of the interface ultimately prompted him to delete the application permanently from his phone.
Broader Digital Habits and Hardware Risks
Beyond deleting TikTok, Altman revealed that he has disabled all push notifications across his personal devices, including messaging apps, describing the adjustment as a significant quality-of-life upgrade. WhatsApp Rolls Out Redesigned Message Bubbles for iOS; Know What It Brings.
Addressing future technological horizons, Altman also discussed OpenAI's hardware initiatives. While expressing confidence that upcoming artificial intelligence devices will offer powerful utility, he cautioned that consumer technology can be easily misused in unforeseen ways that negatively impact everyday human behavior.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 02:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).