Nearly half of American adults have now used an AI chatbot, and about one in three use one daily. The surprising part is what they’re actually asking it to do.
Finding Answers Instead of Searching
According to Pew, 42% of Americans who use AI chatbots use them to search for information. Instead of opening several search results, someone might simply ask, “Why is my lawn turning brown?” or “What does this term on my bill mean?”
Helping With Work
Among employed adults, 38% of chatbot users say they use AI for work tasks. That can mean drafting an email, summarizing information or getting a first pass on a project—sometimes turning a task that took 30 minutes into a few minutes.
Creating Photos and Videos
About 24% say they use chatbots to create or edit images or videos. That means someone can take an ordinary photo and ask AI to change the background, remove something or create a completely different version.
Figuring Out What to Buy
AI is also creeping into shopping. McKinsey found 19% of U.S. consumers who had used AI recently were using it to discover or decide on brands, products or services. That can mean asking AI to compare two appliances instead of reading dozens of product pages.
Planning Everyday Life
Sixteen percent of AI-using consumers told McKinsey they use AI to plan and organize tasks. Think meal ideas, schedules, packing lists or planning an event—the little organizational jobs people used to figure out themselves.