OpenAI Reveals Sora Feed Philosophy: “Doomscrolling Not Allowed

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OpenAI, Sora feed philosophy revealed: “We do not allow doomscrolling”

  • Creation first, consumption minimization is the key principle
  • A new concept recommendation system that can adjust algorithms with natural language
  • Safety measures from the creation stage, a strategy opposite to TikTok

What happened?

OpenAI has officially announced the design philosophy of the recommendation feed for its AI video creation app, Sora.[OpenAI] The core message is clear: “It’s a platform for creation, not doomscrolling.”

While TikTok has been controversial for optimizing viewing time, OpenAI has chosen the opposite direction. Instead of optimizing for feed dwell time, it prioritizes exposing users to content that is most likely to inspire them to create their own videos. [TechCrunch]

Why is it important?

Frankly, this is a pretty important experiment in social media history. Existing social platforms maximize dwell time to generate advertising revenue. The longer users stay, the more money they make. This has resulted in addictive algorithms and mental health issues.

OpenAI is already generating revenue with a subscription model (ChatGPT Plus). Because it doesn’t rely on advertising, it doesn’t need to “keep users hooked.” Simply put, because the business model is different, the feed design can also be different.

Personally, I wonder if this will really work. Can a “creation-encouraging” feed actually keep users engaged? Or will it eventually revert to dwell time optimization?

4 Principles of Sora Feed

  • Creative Optimization: Induces participation rather than consumption. The goal is active creation, not passive scrolling.[Digital Watch]
  • User control: You can adjust the algorithm with natural language. Instructions such as “Show me only comedy today” are possible.
  • Connection priority: Prioritizes content from people you follow and know over viral global content.
  • Safety-freedom balance: Because all content is generated within Sora, harmful content is blocked at the creation stage.

How is it different technically?

OpenAI is different from existing LLMs. Using this method, a new type of recommendation algorithm has been developed. The key differentiator is “natural language instruction.” Users can directly describe the type of content they want to the algorithm in words.[TechCrunch]

Sora uses activity (likes, comments, remixes), IP-based location, ChatGPT usage history (can be turned off), and the number of followers of the creator as personalization signals. However, safety signals are also included to suppress exposure to harmful content.

What will happen in the future?

The Sora app was released in just 48 hours. It topped the app store. 56,000 downloads on the first day, tripled on the second day.[TechCrunch] Initial reactions were enthusiastic.

But the problem is sustainability. As OpenAI also acknowledges, this feed is a “living system.” It will continue to change based on user feedback. What happens if the creation philosophy conflicts with actual user behavior? We’ll have to wait and see.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How is Sora Feed different from TikTok?

A: TikTok aims to keep users engaged by optimizing viewing time. Sora, on the other hand, prioritizes showing content that is most likely to inspire users to create their own videos. It is designed to focus on creation rather than consumption.

Q: What does it mean to adjust the algorithm with natural language?

A: Existing apps only recommend based on behavioral data such as likes and viewing time. With Sora, users can enter text instructions such as “Show me only SF videos today” and the algorithm will adjust accordingly.

Q: Are there youth protection features?

A: Yes. With ChatGPT parental controls, you can turn off feed personalization or limit continuous scrolling. Youth accounts are limited by default in the number of videos they can create per day, and the Cameo (video featuring others) feature also has stricter permissions.

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