OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed he became addicted to TikTok "like a drug" while researching user engagement to build the Sora app, according to a Mint report. Altman shared the experience during an episode of the "How to Start a Startup" podcast, explaining he intentionally immersed himself in the platform to study digital user experience and avoid building features that aggressively consume users' time. He initially limited usage to ten minutes before bedtime, but browsing sessions frequently extended into hours, including a three-hour stretch on a Saturday afternoon. Describing the platform as "too powerful," Altman deleted the application permanently from his phone and disabled all push notifications across his personal devices, calling the adjustment a significant quality-of-life upgrade. He also cautioned that consumer technology can be easily misused in unforeseen ways that negatively impact everyday human behavior.