OpenAI reveals comprehensive ChatGPT usage patterns in largest study to date

OpenAI has published the most extensive analysis of ChatGPT consumer usage patterns, examining 1.5 million conversations from its 700 million weekly active users. The research demonstrates significant demographic shifts and growing economic value creation across both professional and personal applications.

Context and Background

The study, conducted in collaboration with Harvard economist David Deming, represents the first comprehensive view of how broadly democratised AI technology creates economic value through increased workplace productivity and personal benefit. OpenAI’s Economic Research team employed privacy-preserving analysis methods to examine usage patterns without human review of message content.

The findings reveal substantial changes in user demographics since ChatGPT’s launch three years ago. Gender gaps have narrowed dramatically, with users having typically feminine names increasing from 37% in January 2024 to 52% by July 2025. Additionally, adoption growth rates in low- and middle-income countries exceeded those in high-income nations by over 4x by May 2025.

Usage patterns show that three-quarters of conversations focus on practical guidance, information seeking, and writing tasks. The research categorises usage into three primary areas: “Asking” (49% of messages), “Doing” (40%), and “Expressing” (11%), highlighting users’ preference for ChatGPT as an advisor rather than solely for task completion.

Looking Forward

The study demonstrates ChatGPT’s dual economic impact, with approximately 30% of consumer usage being work-related whilst 70% serves personal purposes. Both categories continue expanding, underscoring AI’s role as both a productivity enhancer and daily life value creator. The research particularly emphasises decision support capabilities, showing improved judgment and productivity in knowledge-intensive roles.

These findings support OpenAI’s position that AI access should be treated as a fundamental right, enabling individuals to unlock their potential and shape their futures. As usage patterns continue evolving with improved models and new use-case discovery, the technology’s integration into work and everyday life becomes increasingly central to economic value creation.

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