OpenAI's Will DePue Embraces 98th Ranking in Social Media Experiment, Prioritizing Radical Expression Over Metrics

San Francisco, CA – Will DePue, a prominent staff member at OpenAI and a key contributor to its groundbreaking Sora text-to-video model, recently highlighted a significant shift in his social media performance, tweeting "48th -> 98th." This seemingly cryptic message, posted on May 20, 2024, is part of an ongoing personal experiment by DePue to decouple his online presence from traditional engagement metrics.

DePue clarified the meaning behind the numerical transition in subsequent replies to his original tweet. "I just text a number to post now. I don’t check likes or impressions or anything. I just send it and forget it. It’s been great for my brain," he stated, indicating a deliberate move away from the pressures of social media validation. The shift from 48th to 98th likely refers to a decline in a specific ranking or performance metric on the platform, which he now actively disregards.

The OpenAI staffer emphasized his intention to foster a more authentic and uninhibited online voice. "I want to be way more radical. I want to say things that are like truly out there and not care about the numbers. This is the way," DePue explained. He even anticipated potential repercussions, adding, "I’m gonna get banned in like a week. It’s fine." This reflects a growing sentiment among some tech figures to challenge conventional social media engagement models.

DePue's experiment aligns with his broader views on technology's impact, particularly AI's influence on learning and societal outcomes. As a core developer behind advanced AI systems like Sora, his personal exploration of digital well-being and unfiltered expression offers a unique perspective from within the rapidly evolving tech landscape. His commitment to prioritizing mental health and radical thought over quantifiable online success provides a notable example for individuals navigating the complexities of modern digital platforms.