OpenAI recently released the largest study ever on how people are using ChatGPT, offering an in-depth look at how this AI technology is benefiting both personal and professional life and the economic value it creates. Conducted by OpenAI’s Economic Research team in collaboration with Harvard economist David Deming, the study analyzed 1.5 million conversations in a privacy-preserving way, providing an unprecedented view of user behavior and evolving usage patterns since ChatGPT’s launch three years ago.
Broadening Adoption and User Demographics
The findings reveal that gaps in ChatGPT usage are shrinking. Early gender disparities have significantly narrowed, with women now accounting for over 50% of users as of mid-2025. This makes ChatGPT adoption closely resemble the general adult population.
ChatGPT has also become a widely accessible global tool, with particularly rapid growth in low- and middle-income countries. By May 2025, adoption growth in the lowest-income countries was over four times higher than in the highest-income countries. This demonstrates how AI can reach broader audiences beyond early adopters and higher-income groups.
What People Are Using ChatGPT For
Consumer use of ChatGPT primarily revolves around everyday tasks. Most conversations involve seeking information, obtaining guidance, or writing. Usage can be categorized into three main types:
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Asking:
Representing about 49% of conversations, this category reflects the value users place on ChatGPT as an advisor. People frequently turn to ChatGPT for advice, recommendations, and insights rather than only task completion.
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Doing:
Making up roughly 40% of usage, this category covers practical tasks such as drafting text, planning, programming, and completing work-related activities. About one-third of this usage is work-related, highlighting ChatGPT’s role in boosting productivity in professional environments.
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Expressing:
Comprising around 11% of interactions, this type captures personal exploration, reflection, creativity, and playful experimentation. It illustrates that ChatGPT is not only a productivity tool but also a platform for personal expression.
Creating Economic Value
The study shows that ChatGPT generates value in both professional and personal contexts. Approximately 30% of usage is work-related, while 70% is personal, demonstrating its dual role as a productivity enhancer and a tool for improving everyday life.
One of the key ways ChatGPT adds value is through decision support. It helps users improve judgment, streamline workflows, and enhance productivity, particularly in knowledge-intensive roles. As users explore new features and improved models, engagement deepens, driving even greater economic and personal value.
Why This Matters
These insights underline the importance of democratizing AI access. When people can leverage tools like ChatGPT, they unlock potential, improve efficiency, and create value in both their personal and professional lives. As AI technology continues to advance, its role in everyday life is likely to grow, becoming an indispensable companion for work, learning, creativity, and decision-making.
This study not only answers who is using AI and what they are using it for but also highlights how ChatGPT is contributing real economic and personal value, shaping the way people work, learn, and engage with information in the modern world.
đź“„ Read the full paper: Link to the study
