OpenAI has released a new study that gives the clearest picture yet of how people use ChatGPT in their everyday lives. The research, conducted with Harvard economist David Deming and published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, analysed over 1.5 million conversations in a privacy-preserving way.
It was found that ChatGPT is no longer just a work tool; it has become an integral part of daily routines for millions around the world.
One of the most surprising findings was the rapid rise in non-work usage. In June 2025, about 73% of messages sent to ChatGPT were for personal use, compared with just 53% a year earlier. OpenAI’s Chief Economist, Aaron Chatterji, said this shows how AI is becoming “woven into many aspects of people’s lives,” from answering questions to offering personal advice.
The study found that most conversations with ChatGPT fall into three main categories: practical guidance, seeking information, and writing. Practical guidance, such as tutoring, how-to advice, and creative brainstorming, was the most common. At work, however, writing tasks were dominant, making up about 40% of work-related messages.
Interestingly, most of this writing wasn’t about creating something new from scratch; instead, users often asked ChatGPT to edit, critique, or translate existing text.
Researchers also studied usage through three lenses: Asking, Doing, and Expressing. Nearly half of all messages were about “Asking,” showing that many people see ChatGPT as an advisor. In contrast, at work, more than half of the conversations were “Doing”, using the chatbot to carry out specific job tasks.
The impact of AI on jobs has been debated since ChatGPT was first launched in 2022. But the researchers suggested the tool is more about improving productivity and judgment than replacing workers, especially in knowledge-based roles.
The study also shed light on who is using ChatGPT. As of July 2025, around 10% of the world’s adult population had tried the chatbot. Initially, most users had masculine names, but now female adoption has caught up, resulting in a more balanced user base. Growth has also been fastest in low- and middle-income countries, where adoption rates are four times higher than in wealthy nations.
While ChatGPT continues to expand, it faces competition from other AI tools, such as Google’s Gemini and Elon Musk’s XAI. Still, this study shows that ChatGPT has become more than a novelty; it is now a daily companion for millions worldwide.
