ChatGPT Usage Doubles in U.S., Reaching 34% of Adults

The use of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot launched in November 2022, has more than doubled among U.S. adults since the summer of 2023. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 34% of American adults have used ChatGPT, including a significant 58% of adults under the age of 30.

Despite this growth, 66% of Americans have not used the chatbot, with 20% of them having heard nothing about it. This highlights a persistent awareness gap among the older demographic.

Who Has Used ChatGPT?

ChatGPT usage is rising across all age groups and education levels, but younger adults and those with higher education levels are the most likely to have tried it. Among adults under 30, 58% have used ChatGPT, up from 43% in 2024 and 33% in 2023. In contrast, only 10% of those 65 and older have used the chatbot.

Educational background also plays a significant role. About half of adults with a bachelor’s degree (51%) or a postgraduate degree (52%) have used ChatGPT, compared to 33% of those with some college experience and 18% of those with a high school degree or less.

How Have Americans Used ChatGPT?

Since March 2023, the survey has also tracked how people use ChatGPT. There has been notable growth in all three primary use cases: work, learning, and entertainment.

• Work**: The share of employed adults who use ChatGPT for work has increased by 20 percentage points to 28%.
• Learning**: 26% of adults have used ChatGPT to learn something new, up from 8% in March 2023.
• Entertainment**: 22% have used it for entertainment, up from 11%.

Younger adults are particularly active in using ChatGPT for these purposes. For example, 38% of employed adults ages 18 to 29 say they have used ChatGPT on the job, compared to 30% of those ages 30 to 49 and 18% of those 50 and older. Additionally, 46% of adults under 30 have used it to learn something new, and 42% have used it for entertainment.

How Aware Are Americans of ChatGPT?

While usage is on the rise, awareness of ChatGPT remains a mixed bag. A majority of adults have heard at least a little about it, but 20% have heard nothing. This awareness gap is more pronounced among older adults and those with lower education levels.

The survey also found that adults with higher education levels are more likely to be aware of ChatGPT. For instance, 75% of those with a postgraduate degree have heard of it, compared to 55% of those with a high school degree or less.

Key Takeaway

ChatGPT's adoption is growing rapidly, particularly among younger and more educated adults. While the chatbot is becoming a more common tool for work, learning, and entertainment, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of its capabilities. As AI technology continues to evolve, understanding and awareness will play crucial roles in its broader acceptance and integration into daily life.