How AI Chatbots Are Reshaping Our Daily Lives

In today's digital world, it's common to have a tab for an AI chatbot like ChatGPT constantly open. From drafting an email to a daycare to getting product recommendations or practical advice on what to pack for lunch, these tools have become a part of daily life for millions. While the examples might seem personal, they reflect a broader trend. According to a recent NBER working paper, nearly 80% of consumer ChatGPT messages are for Writing, Seeking Information, or Practical Guidance. In fact, over 70% of all messages are for non-work-related purposes.

AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot are powered by large language models (LLMs) that generate text, images, or speech in response to user prompts. Their growth has been unprecedented. Within just 32 months of its launch, ChatGPT reached approximately 10 percent of the world’s adult population—a rate of diffusion faster than any previous consumer technology.

A Look at the Users Behind the Prompts

So, who is driving this rapid adoption? Research from Chatterji et al. (2025) analyzing global data from November 2022 to July 2025 provides a clear picture of the user base.

• While early adoption was heavily male-biased, the gender gap has since narrowed to near parity.
• The user base is predominantly young, with about half of all adult messages coming from users under the age of 26.
• Growth has been particularly strong in low- and middle-income countries.
• Users with higher education levels and those in well-paid professional and technical jobs are significantly more likely to use ChatGPT for work-related tasks.

The Broader Implications for Work and Education

The widespread availability of generative AI is set to fundamentally change how we work and learn. For example, 10% of all messages sent to ChatGPT were for tutoring or teaching requests. Furthermore, Writing tasks made up a staggering 40% of all work-related messages in June 2025.

This trend raises critical questions about the future of skill development. Will students and workers become overly reliant on AI for writing and problem-solving, potentially neglecting the development of their own abilities? This could weaken investment in crucial soft skills like communication and critical thinking—skills that are essential for leadership and innovation and are difficult to automate.

Educational systems may need a significant overhaul, shifting focus to teaching skills that complement AI tools rather than compete with them. But what are those skills? At the same time, assessing genuine learning becomes more challenging when AI can complete assignments and exams, potentially devaluing formal degrees in the job market and reducing the incentive to pursue higher education. Over time, we could face a significant mismatch between the skills people acquire and the deeper capabilities the economy truly needs.

Navigating an AI-Powered Future

These are complex, open-ended questions, and the long-term impact of generative AI on education and skills is still unfolding. However, the time for governments and policymakers to act is now. Preparing for this technological shift is crucial. The upcoming World Development Report will delve deeper into the potential of AI for economic development in low- and middle-income countries, offering more insights into the path forward. Stay tuned.