
technologyOct 20, 20251:36:12pending
Ep. 375: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media?
About this episode
Ep. 375: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media?
OpenAI has been making waves recently with their release of their Sora 2 video generation model, which they have launched alongside a TikTok-style social media sharing app. The internet is usually pretty excited about AI innovations, but this one has people unsettled. In today’s episode, Cal looks at one implication of Sora 2 in particular that is both important but currently overcooked: the impact of AI content generation on the existing social media giants. He then answers listener questions on AI and social media and reacts to a new Sam Altman tweet that signals bad news for OpenAI.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media? [0:02]
Will Sora 2 kill creativity? [46:12]
Am I doing myself a disservice by using AI tools to help me code? [51:36]
Is Substack better than social media? [55:55]
What are your thoughts on a “family smartphone”? [1:06:35]
What should I do when others disregard the structures that are meant to reduce the digital back and forth? [1:07:53]
CASE STUDY: A Digital Declutter [1:15:38]
CALL: Children with dumb phones or smartphones [1:19:49]
CAL REACTS: Sam Altman Proposes AI Erotica [1:27:46]
Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?SORA: the all Ai TikTok Clone. will slop end creativity?youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0oQ0v0W10newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giantsyoutube.com/watch?v=I1dW-nZqhewx.com/sama/status/1978129344598827128
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepshopify.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Deep Questions with Cal Newport publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Is AI About to Automate Every Office Job? | AI Reality Check
Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Apr 30, 202633:03failed

How Do I Build “Cognitive Fitness”? | Monday Advice
Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Apr 27, 202651:39failed

Is AI Trending Up or Down in 2026? | AI Reality Check
Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Apr 23, 20261:13:03failed

Do I Need More Discipline? | Monday Advice
Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Apr 20, 20261:26:40failed