Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have long been considered a bit of a mystery. While these tools are capable of producing impressively human-like text, the inner workings of how they generate outputs remain largely opaque. Similarly, until recently, little was known about who actually uses these models and how they integrate them into their daily lives. Are they primarily a professional tool? Or have they become a part of people’s personal routines?
To shed light on these questions, OpenAI, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), conducted an in-depth study into ChatGPT usage. Their findings, published in an NBER working paper authored by the OpenAI Economic Research team and Harvard economist David Deming, reveal intriguing patterns about how the chatbot is being used and by whom.
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The Dominant Ways People Use ChatGPT
The study found that approximately 80% of all ChatGPT interactions fall into three main categories: Practical Guidance, Seeking Information, and Writing. Each of these categories represents a distinct type of engagement with the AI.
Practical Guidance
Practical guidance emerged as the most common category of use. This encompasses a broad range of interactions where users seek advice or help to complete tasks, learn new skills, or generate creative ideas. Examples include tutoring and teaching, how-to guidance across various domains, and brainstorming for projects or creative endeavors. Essentially, ChatGPT is acting as a versatile assistant capable of offering tailored guidance for personal or professional projects.
Seeking Information
The second most common use case is seeking information. Users often approach ChatGPT as an alternative to traditional search engines, leveraging its ability to condense and synthesize knowledge quickly. Rather than sifting through pages of search results, users can ask ChatGPT for concise explanations, summaries, or comparisons, making it a convenient tool for fact-finding or general learning.
Writing Assistance
The third major category is writing. This encompasses generating emails, composing documents, editing text, translating content, and even creating messages for social or professional contexts. Among work-related interactions, writing is particularly dominant. The study notes that in June 2025, 40% of work-related messages involved writing, compared to just 4.2% for programming-related queries. This finding suggests that while ChatGPT can assist with coding, most users are relying on it to communicate effectively rather than to develop software.
The Shift from Work to Personal Use
One of the more surprising findings of the study is that ChatGPT is becoming less of a work tool and more a part of users’ personal lives. In June 2024, nearly half (47%) of interactions were work-related. By June 2025, that share had shrunk to just 27%, while personal or non-work-related interactions rose from 53% to 73%.
This trend aligns with broader industry research showing that companies have struggled to realize meaningful returns on AI investments. Despite the hype, most organizations haven’t yet figured out how to integrate LLMs effectively into workflows to boost productivity in measurable ways. Meanwhile, individual users are increasingly exploring ChatGPT for personal productivity, learning, and entertainment.
ChatGPT as a Companion
Despite the surge in personal use, the study found that using ChatGPT as a social or emotional companion is relatively uncommon. According to OpenAI’s analysis:
- Only 2% of messages involved users seeking therapy-like support or companionship.
- A mere 0.4% of messages were about relationships or personal reflection.
These numbers suggest that most people are not relying on the chatbot for emotional support, even though anecdotal evidence and other research tell a slightly different story.
For example:
- Common Sense Media reports that about one in three teens use AI chatbots for social interaction and relationship advice.
- Other studies indicate that nearly half of adult users have sought psychological support from chatbots in the past year.
This discrepancy could be explained by differences in how “social interaction” is defined or by demographic differences in user bases. The OpenAI study did find that 46% of messages came from users aged 18–25, indicating a skew toward younger audiences, who are typically more open to using AI in personal contexts.
Age also matters in terms of use case: younger users are more likely to engage ChatGPT for personal purposes, whereas work-related messages increase as users get older.
The Closing Gender Gap
Another notable finding is a shrinking gender gap among ChatGPT users. When the chatbot first gained popularity, it had a heavily male-dominated audience. OpenAI reports that in 2022, users with “masculine first names” accounted for about 80% of the user base. By June 2025, that number had dropped to 48%, while users with “feminine first names” reached parity.
This trend suggests broader adoption across demographics, indicating that ChatGPT is becoming a mainstream tool rather than one confined to a particular niche.
Caveats and Methodology
While the findings are illuminating, there are some important caveats. OpenAI used AI itself to categorize all messages in the study. While this is efficient and scalable, it may introduce biases or inaccuracies, particularly when interpreting subtle distinctions in usage or intent. Skeptics might reasonably question how precise these categorizations are, especially for subjective categories like “practical guidance” or social-emotional interactions.
What This Means for the Future
The study paints a picture of ChatGPT evolving beyond a professional productivity tool into something more integrated into daily life. While work usage is declining, personal use is booming, highlighting the AI’s versatility. The data also suggest that as younger and more diverse audiences adopt these tools, usage patterns will continue to evolve.
Several trends to watch:
- Personal vs. Work Use: Non-work use is clearly rising. How will this shape the development of features and accessibility in future iterations of ChatGPT?
- Social Interaction: Despite low reported numbers in OpenAI’s study, teens and adults are increasingly seeking AI companionship. There may be untapped potential here for mental health or social tools.
- Demographic Shifts: Gender parity and a young user base indicate that ChatGPT is becoming mainstream. Developers and policymakers will need to consider the ethical and societal implications of widespread AI adoption.
- Work Productivity: Organizations are still figuring out how to use AI effectively. The contrast between individual adoption and enterprise utility suggests there’s room for innovation in making AI more valuable in professional contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the primary user base of ChatGPT?
The user base skews young. Around 46% of messages came from users aged 18–25, and users under 18 were excluded from the study.
Has ChatGPT usage changed over time?
Yes. Work-related usage has declined from 47% in June 2024 to 27% in June 2025, while personal interactions have increased.
Is ChatGPT still male-dominated?
No. The gender gap is closing. Users with masculine names dropped from 80% in 2022 to 48% in June 2025, reaching near parity with feminine names.
Can ChatGPT replace search engines?
Some users treat ChatGPT as a substitute for traditional search, especially when looking for concise explanations or synthesized information. However, it may not always provide sources or citations like search engines.
How reliable are the usage statistics?
OpenAI categorized messages using AI itself, which may introduce some biases. While the data is insightful, it may not perfectly reflect all types of usage, especially subtle social or emotional interactions.
Why are younger users more likely to use ChatGPT for personal purposes?
Younger users are often more comfortable experimenting with AI, exploring creative or personal applications, and integrating it into learning or hobbies. Older users tend to use it more for professional tasks.
How does ChatGPT help with writing?
It assists with drafting emails, documents, and other communications. It can also edit, summarize, or translate text, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional writing.
What does this research mean for the future of AI usage?
The findings suggest ChatGPT is evolving into a mainstream tool for personal productivity, learning, and creative assistance. Its adoption across demographics signals broader societal integration, raising opportunities and ethical considerations for AI in everyday life.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s study provides rare insight into the real-world usage of one of the most widely used AI tools today. From practical guidance and writing assistance to occasional personal use, ChatGPT is proving to be a versatile companion. Its users are becoming more diverse, younger, and increasingly reliant on the AI for personal tasks, signaling a shift away from purely work-related applications.