Altman Warns: OpenAI May Shut Sora If It Doesn’t Improve Lives

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said the company might discontinue its Sora app if it fails to deliver meaningful value to users’ lives — not just endless scrolling. He called attention to the risk of the platform becoming a “junk feed” driven by engagement optimization.

Altman emphasized that Sora is designed to help users achieve long-term goals — whether getting healthier, building a business, or strengthening relationships. If users don’t feel better after six months, OpenAI may make significant changes or even shut the app down entirely.

He admitted the tension between emotional triggers and addictive mechanisms but said OpenAI will actively monitor outcomes to avoid the “degenerate case” of mindless usage.