A new study from OpenAI analyzed more than 1.1 million real ChatGPT messages and it turns out, the primary use for the AI tool is not at the office. ChatGPT is now being used more for everyday tasks, such as staying fit, preparing meals and helping kids with homework.
The researchers looked at how usage evolved between May 2023 and April 2024, a period that saw enormous growth in ChatGPT adoption and discovered work-related use is way down; usage dropped from 57% of messages to just 28%.
That doesn’t mean we’re using ChatGPT less. We’re just using it differently. Instead of firing off prompts to help meet deadlines or decode spreadsheets, people are turning to ChatGPT for advice, planning and even emotional support.
So what are people using ChatGPT for?
The study found that most prompts now fall into three major areas:
Guidance. Users are looking for help in their lives such as how to writer a compelling Substack post to engage their audience, how to fix a squeaky door or even how to break up with someone.
Information. Users are using ChatGPT for answers that they might have Googled years ago. Questions about their health, the best time to travel or how to know if food has expired.
Writing help. While this may sound like something needed at the office, users are turning to ChatGPT to help with their dating profile, apology letters or crafting the perfect party invitation.
And while coding might seem like a major use case, it actually makes up less than 5% of all messages.
ChatGPT is starting to look a lot like Google
Among the biggest takeaways from the study is this: 1 in 4 ChatGPT messages are now “information-seeking.” In other words, we’re now turning to ChatGPT instead of Google. The personalized response customized to each user’s exact needs is essentially why more people are turning to the chatbot for answers over the search engine, or even tools like Google Lens.
The study emphasized ChatGPT usage is growing fastest in places like Brazil, India and Nigeria, where mobile-first access to answers matters.
The gender gap is shrinking, and the questions are getting more human
For a long time, ChatGPT skewed male — early adoption patterns and all that. But the gender divide is finally closing. According to the study, users with feminine-coded names slightly outnumber male ones now, and the prompts themselves reflect that broader demographic.
People are asking about parenting, relationships, meal planning, budgeting and even mental health (although therapy-style chats remain a small portion of overall use). Clearly, ChatGPT has become much more of a daily companion and no longer confined to the 9–5 workday.
The takeaway
Studies like this give us insight into how AI tools are being used while also confirming what we personally already know. ChatGPT is a great source of information, especially when we can’t be bothered with sponsored links, ads or excess information.
ChatGPT is becoming a daily companion that goes with us beyond our desk and into our kitchens, garage, classroom, calendars and even late-night overthinking spirals. For many of us, this study isn’t surprising, it’s just finally been measured, proving we aren’t alone.
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