OpenAI

It seems there’s hardly a day that goes by without generative-AI products like ChatGPT making headlines. However, a new study reveals that not many people are actually incorporating these tools into their daily routines. This study, conducted by the Reuters Institute and Oxford University, involved 6,000 respondents from various countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Japan, and Argentina. The researchers found that OpenAI’s ChatGPT is by far the most widely used generative-AI tool, and it is two or three times more prevalent than the next most popular products – Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.

The study also indicates that despite the extensive hype surrounding generative AI over the past 18 months, only 1% of the respondents in Japan are using ChatGPT on a daily basis. In France and the UK, the usage rate is 2%, and in the US, it is 7%. Additionally, the study discovered that between 19% and 30% of the respondents have not even heard of the most well-known generative AI tools. Although many of the surveyed individuals have attempted to use at least one generative-AI product, a very small percentage are currently regular users who deploy these tools for various tasks. It is not surprising that younger people are more likely to regularly utilize generative AI tools. According to the study, 56% of those between the ages of 18 and 24 have used ChatGPT at least once, compared to just 16% of those over 55 years old. Around 24% said they have used generative AI tools to obtain information, while 28% mentioned using it to create various forms of media, including text, audio, code, images, and video.

The research team concluded that in the future, some usage will be driven by individuals actively seeking and using standalone generative AI tools like ChatGPT. However, it seems likely that a significant portion of the usage will be influenced by a combination of professional adaptation through tools used in the workplace and the integration of more generative AI-powered elements into platforms already widely used in people’s private lives, such as social media and search engines. This is exemplified by the recent announcements of increased integration of generative AI into Google Search. It is also noted that a large portion of the public is still uncertain whether, on the whole, generative AI will bring about positive or negative impacts on their lives and society. This viewpoint is understandable given that many people are not familiar with these products, and few have had extensive personal experience with using them frequently. Moreover, younger people and those with higher levels of formal education, who are more likely to have used generative AI, generally have a more positive attitude towards this rapidly evolving technology.

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The findings of this study highlight the current state of generative AI usage and perceptions. While ChatGPT has gained significant attention, its widespread adoption remains relatively low. The role of factors such as professional integration and user familiarity will likely determine the future growth and impact of generative AI. Further research is needed to understand how these trends will evolve and the potential benefits and challenges that lie ahead.