Why employees are divided over OpenAI's social media app
What's the story
OpenAI's recent launch of a social media app, Sora, has sparked mixed reactions among its current and former researchers. The platform, similar to TikTok, features AI-generated videos and currently happens to be full of deepfakes of CEO Sam Altman. Some employees have raised concerns over how this move aligns with the company's non-profit mission of developing advanced AI for humanity's benefit.
Employee reactions
Some researchers express concerns, others praise team's efforts
John Hallman, an OpenAI pretraining researcher, expressed his unease about the launch of Sora 2. He said he was worried when he first heard about it but praised the team's efforts in creating a positive experience. Another researcher Boaz Barak echoed similar sentiments, saying while Sora 2 is technically impressive, it's too early to celebrate its success in avoiding pitfalls seen in other social media apps and deepfakes.
Alternative promotion
Former researcher's start-up offers alternative to Sora
Former OpenAI researcher Rohan Pandey took the opportunity to promote his new start-up, Periodic Labs. The company is trying to build AI systems for scientific discovery. He said if you don't want to create an "infinite AI TikTok slop machine" but want to develop AI that accelerates fundamental science, you should join them at Periodic Labs.
Identity crisis
Tension between for-profit and non-profit missions at OpenAI
OpenAI is the fastest-growing consumer tech company in the world, but it also operates as an AI lab with a lofty non-profit charter. Some former employees argue that this consumer business can serve its mission by funding AI research and distributing technology widely. However, others question how far the company will go in prioritizing its for-profit ventures over its non-profit mission.
CEO response
Sam Altman addresses concerns over foray into social media
In a post on X, Altman addressed the concerns over the company's investment in an AI social media app. He said they mostly need capital to build AI that can do science and are focused on AGI with almost all their research effort. However, he also acknowledged that it's nice to show people cool new tech/products along the way, make them smile, and hopefully make some money given all that compute need.
App features
How Sora differs from other social media platforms
Unlike ChatGPT, which is designed for usefulness, OpenAI says Sora is meant for fun - a platform to create and share AI clips. The company has promised not to optimize time spent on feed but instead maximize creation. It also plans to remind users when they've been scrolling too long and mainly show them people they know. This approach is different from other platforms like Meta's Vibes that have been criticized for their addictive nature.