OpenAI shares new insights into how people are using ChatGPT

OpenAI has released data shedding light on how the majority of users engage with ChatGPT. According to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and OpenAI, 49% of interactions with ChatGPT since its release in November 2022 were users seeking answers and information. While the AI tool is capable of a variety of tasks, including coding, drafting emails, and playing games, most people use it for simple information gathering. The study also revealed an interesting shift in demographics: early users of ChatGPT were predominantly men, with 80% of weekly users having masculine first names. However, by June 2025, the majority of users were identified by more typically female names, marking a significant demographic shift. The data also highlights how AI usage is linked to geography and income. Wealthier nations like Singapore and Canada lead in AI adoption, while emerging economies such as Indonesia, India, and Nigeria are less frequent users. In the US, AI use correlates strongly with state-level GDP, with wealthier states showing faster adoption. Despite the growth of AI in professional fields, the majority of usage is still for personal or non-work-related purposes. AI experts suggest that simplifying adoption and integrating AI into daily life will be key for future success.