OpenAI Unveils Largest Study on Global ChatGPT Usage Patterns
Key Points
- OpenAI released its largest-ever ChatGPT usage study, conducted with Harvard economist David Deming for NBER.
- 70% of ChatGPT interactions occur outside of work, highlighting strong leisure use.
- The gender gap among users has narrowed, with 52% now identified as having feminine names.
- Adoption in low‑income countries is four times faster than in wealthier nations.
- Three‑quarters of conversations focus on practical guidance, information, and writing.
- Interaction types: nearly 50% "Asking," 40% "Doing," and 11% "Expressing."
- Study notes that ChatGPT helps improve judgment and productivity in non‑work contexts.
OpenAI released its biggest‑ever survey of ChatGPT users, uncovering how the AI chatbot is adopted worldwide. Conducted by OpenAI’s Economic Research team with Harvard economist David Deming for the National Bureau of Economic Research, the study reveals that 70% of interactions occur outside of work, the gender gap among users has narrowed, and adoption is accelerating faster in low‑income nations. Users primarily turn to ChatGPT for practical guidance, information, and writing, with nearly half of queries classified as “Asking,” 40% as “Doing,” and 11% as “Expressing.” The findings suggest AI is becoming a routine part of everyday life.
Scope and Methodology
OpenAI announced the release of its most comprehensive study of ChatGPT usage, a project undertaken by the company’s Economic Research team in partnership with Harvard economist David Deming. The research was conducted for the National Bureau of Economic Research and aimed to map who is using the chatbot, how they are using it, and how usage trends are shifting over time.
User Demographics and Gender Balance
The study highlights a notable closing of the gender gap among ChatGPT users. Earlier research showed that 37% of users with identifiable masculine or feminine names were classified as having "typically feminine names." The latest figures indicate that 52% of such users now have feminine names, suggesting a more balanced representation across genders.
Geographic Adoption Rates
Adoption is proceeding at markedly different speeds around the world. The research notes that the uptake rate in the lowest‑income countries is four times faster than in the wealthiest nations, underscoring a rapid diffusion of the technology in emerging markets.
Primary Motivations for Use
According to the report, the chief reason people turn to ChatGPT is to get things done. Roughly three‑quarters of conversations are focused on practical guidance, seeking information, and writing tasks. This practical orientation is reflected in the way the study categorizes user intent.
Breakdown of Interaction Types
The analysis divides ChatGPT interactions into three categories. "Asking"—seeking advice or answers—accounts for nearly half of all queries. "Doing," which includes drafting text, planning, or programming, makes up about 40% of usage. The smallest segment, "Expressing," covers personal reflection, exploration, and play, representing 11% of interactions.
Work vs. Leisure Use
One striking insight is that 70% of users engage with ChatGPT in a non‑work related context. The study emphasizes that the tool helps improve judgment and productivity even outside professional settings, indicating its growing role in everyday decision‑making and personal projects.
Implications and Availability
These findings paint a picture of AI becoming an integral part of daily routines across diverse demographics and regions. The full research paper is available on the NBER website for those seeking a deeper dive into the data and methodology.