Sam Altman reveals his TikTok experience and concerns over digital addiction

Monday 03 - 15:51

By: Azzat Manal

Sam Altman reveals his TikTok experience and concerns over digital addiction

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has revealed his personal experience with TikTok, explaining that he eventually deleted the application after finding himself spending hours scrolling through its content. The technology executive said he initially used the platform as an experiment to understand the power of its recommendation algorithm and the reasons behind its massive popularity.

Speaking on the “Relentless” podcast, Altman explained that he intentionally used TikTok extensively to study how the platform keeps users engaged, especially while OpenAI was developing its AI-powered video creation technology. He said the experience helped him better understand the effectiveness of short-video recommendation systems and their influence on user behavior.

Altman described how his usage gradually increased from a few minutes before bedtime to several hours. He initially believed he could easily control his time on the platform, but later found himself spending much longer periods watching videos than planned.

The OpenAI chief executive said the experience was enjoyable but also recognized that his level of engagement was unhealthy, leading him to remove the application completely. His comments highlight growing concerns about the impact of highly personalized digital platforms on attention, habits, and daily routines.

Recent research has examined what experts describe as problematic TikTok use, including difficulty controlling screen time, compulsive browsing, and possible links with sleep problems, anxiety, and stress. Researchers have emphasized that excessive use is not officially classified as a separate medical disorder, but studies suggest that recommendation algorithms and endless streams of short videos can encourage prolonged engagement.

Altman’s remarks also come as OpenAI continues to explore new approaches to artificial intelligence products. The company previously discontinued its Sora social video application, which focused on AI-generated videos, as it redirected resources toward other priorities in the competitive generative AI market.

Beyond social media, Altman has discussed the development of new AI-powered devices designed to reduce dependence on traditional smartphones and limit digital distractions. He has suggested that future technology should help users complete tasks more efficiently rather than encourage them to spend more time inside applications.

The discussion reflects a broader debate in the technology industry about balancing innovation with responsible design. As artificial intelligence and digital platforms continue to evolve, companies face increasing pressure to create products that support users’ needs without encouraging excessive consumption.