A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that around one-third of American adults have utilized the generative AI tool ChatGPT, while approximately 20% admit to never having heard of it. The data shows a notable demographic trend, with 58% of adults aged under 30 reporting usage, making them the most significant user group. In stark contrast, usage drops with age—41% among those aged 30 to 49, 25% for individuals aged 50 to 64, and a mere 10% for those 65 and older. Education also plays a vital role, as about half of adults with a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree have engaged with the tool, compared to only 33% of those with some college experience, and merely 18% of those holding a high school diploma or less.
The rise in popularity of ChatGPT has been significant, especially since late 2022, when it became a widely recognized tool. According to the Pew survey, the number of American adults who have used ChatGPT nearly doubled from July 2023 to the time of the survey, reflecting an increasing acceptance of generative AI technologies. However, ChatGPT is not the sole generative AI option; various tech companies, including Google and Meta, have developed competing large language models like Gemini and Llama. The rapid proliferation of these tools indicates a broader trend toward integration of AI in daily life.
The Pew survey, which comprised responses from 5,123 adults, highlights diverse applications for generative AI tools. Among employed adults, 28% reported using AI tools for work tasks, while 26% utilized them for educational purposes, and 22% for entertainment. Nevertheless, the integration of AI in the workplace is not without hesitance. Many American workers express skepticism regarding its implications for their careers, worrying about potential judgment from colleagues and managers. This concern hints at the social dynamics that arise when technology disrupts traditional modes of working.
Despite these advances, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of generative AI. The survey found that 20% of adults have never heard of ChatGPT, with the highest percentages among individuals over 65 (33%) and those with a high school education or less (34%). These statistics underscore a knowledge gap that exists in part due to generational and educational disparities, further complicated by differing access to technology and information.
Corroborating the Pew findings, a separate study conducted by Menlo Ventures also emphasizes the growing footprint of AI technologies in the U.S. Among over 5,000 adults surveyed, 61% reported having used AI within the last six months, and 19% indicated daily interaction with these tools. This study revealed that Gen Z has the highest overall engagement with AI, at 76%, but millennials demonstrated a greater propensity for daily use—24% compared to Gen Z’s 21%. ChatGPT was identified as the “default tool” for 28% of users, followed closely by Gemini at 23%.
In summary, generative AI tools like ChatGPT have made significant inroads into the daily lives of many Americans, particularly younger and more educated demographics. While usage is on the rise and attitudes toward these technologies are slowly shifting, substantial barriers—such as generational divides and educational disparities—still exist. As both academic studies and industry reports reveal widespread concerns about the implications of AI in the workplace, the next phase in the evolution of generative AI will likely involve addressing these challenges to foster more inclusive access and understanding.
