I think it can.
For starters, most additives are, as far as I can tell, kerosene, lighter fluid and alcohol although described differently. Water needs to be separated from diesel, not dispersed in it. Alcohol disperses water in diesel.
Among the additive users, who can tell me exactly what it is they're adding to their fuel via their chosen additive and how it accomplishes what the manufacturer claims? If you don't know, how can you be sure of what you're doing to your engine.
IMHO, the additive market is aimed primarily at people who don't understand exactly what it is they're doing. The tactic is to convince you that there is a problem and their product solves it without telling you how. People buy the product, have no problems and conclude the product works, but have no evidence that they wouldn't have had a problem even if they hadn't used the product. We saw this for years with lube oil additives, but the public finally has wisened up for the most part and realizes that lube oil doesn't need any help. I think it's a matter of time before the same thing happens with fuel additives.