OpenAI & Harvard University: Insights into ChatGPT Usage by 700 Million Users

2025, AI Usage, Insights EN

01/10/2025

OpenAI & Harvard University: Insights into ChatGPT Usage by 700 Million Users

The study documents the extraordinary growth of ChatGPT since its launch in 2022: by July 2025, around 700 million people are already using the service weekly – equivalent to about 10% of the world’s adult population.
The analysis shows that 70% of usage is private, with this share growing faster than professional use. The three most common application areas—practical guidance, information search, and text generation—account for nearly 80% of all conversations.
In professional contexts, writing is the main activity (42% of all work-related messages), particularly text editing. Requests for decision-making support are increasing and considered especially valuable.
The study indicates a narrowing gender gap, above-average use among people under 26, and strong growth in middle-income countries. Highly skilled professionals in knowledge-intensive roles use ChatGPT significantly more often for work-related purposes.

Source: OpenAI & Harvard University, How People Use ChatGPT, 09/2025.

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