When ChatGPT was launched by OpenAI in November 2022, it was marketed primarily as a productivity tool designed to streamline mundane tasks like responding to emails and drafting memos. However, a recent paper released by OpenAI reveals a significant shift in how users engage with the chatbot. By mid-2024, while nearly half of the interactions were job-related, this figure dropped to just over a quarter by mid-2025. Instead of diminishing in usage, ChatGPT has about 700 million weekly active users, generating over 2.5 billion messages daily. Thus, the platform’s growth is evident, but its primary use has evolved from work-related queries to more personal engagements.
The report highlights that users are increasingly shifting from task-oriented interactions to seeking information. For example, writing assistance, which accounted for over a third of usage last year, has decreased to around a quarter. Meanwhile, the proportion of users asking for information has grown from 14% to 24% of all conversations. This trend suggests that ChatGPT is becoming a preferred tool for obtaining information, akin to a search engine, emphasizing its broader impact on the global economy as noted in the findings.
Demographics play a crucial role in this evolution. Initially, early adopters of the platform were predominantly male, with only 37% of users having names typically associated with women in January 2024. However, by July 2025, this number increased to 52%, indicating a substantial rise in female users. The age demographic also shows that nearly half of ChatGPT’s users are between 18 and 25 years old, who favor personal inquiries, while older users are more inclined toward work-related tasks. This demographic shift reflects a broader trend where younger individuals leverage the platform for personal development and advice rather than professional productivity.
Geographically, ChatGPT’s user base has diversified beyond wealthier nations. The report indicates that the most significant growth is now observed in lower-to-middle-income countries where GDP per capita typically ranges from $10,000 to $40,000. In these regions, smartphones serve as the primary avenue for internet access, broadening the platform’s reach and establishing it as a global tool for various inquiries. This trend demonstrates how digital tools can bridge gaps across different economic landscapes, making technology more accessible.
Education levels also influence ChatGPT usage patterns. Users with college degrees often use the platform for professional purposes, where 48% of their interactions are work-related. In contrast, users without a degree tend to engage with the chatbot for everyday inquiries, showing that while educational attainment impacts the type of queries, the platform’s utility is broadly felt even among those with less education. This suggests that ChatGPT serves as a valuable resource for knowledge and advice for diverse user backgrounds.
Lastly, the nature of occupations among users illustrates a clear divide in how ChatGPT is utilized. Users in high-paying professional and technical fields are more likely to engage the platform for work-related tasks. This dynamic underscores the varying needs and preferences based on job sectors, further highlighting ChatGPT’s adaptability as both a personal adviser and a professional assistant. As users continue to explore its capabilities in different contexts, the platform stands to evolve further, reflecting the changing landscape of technology use in society.
