Sam Altman Deleted TikTok After Becoming Addicted While Researching Sora Social App
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed he had to delete TikTok after spending up to three hours scrolling on it. He originally downloaded the app to study its mechanics for a planned Sora-based AI video social application, which OpenAI has since cancelled. This highlights OpenAI's decision to pivot away from resource-intensive consumer social media products to focus on core AI models. It also aligns with Altman's vision for upcoming AI hardware designed to reduce smartphone distraction and screen addiction. The Sora social app was cancelled in early 2026 due to the massive computational power required for video generation and intense competition. Altman connected this experience to OpenAI's upcoming AI hardware project with Jony Ive, which aims to minimize notification-driven screen time.
## BACKGROUND
Sora is OpenAI's text-to-video AI model, which was initially previewed in early 2024 and later integrated social features before the app project was discontinued. Meanwhile, Sam Altman and former Apple designer Jony Ive have been collaborating on a secretive AI hardware device designed to offer a minimalist alternative to traditional smartphones.