In a recent discussion at Sequoia Capital's AI Ascent event, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed intriguing insights into how different age groups utilize ChatGPT.

Older users tend to see ChatGPT primarily as a substitute for Google, while younger generations approach it quite differently. Altman remarked, "It’s a gross oversimplification, but older individuals often use ChatGPT as a Google replacement." He elaborated that those in their 20s and 30s are more likely to treat the AI as a personal life coach, seeking advice on various matters.

But it’s the college crowd that is making the most innovative use of ChatGPT. According to Altman, this demographic operates with the tool like an "operating system," seamlessly integrating it with their files and utilizing an array of complex prompts. He noted, "They don’t usually make life decisions without consulting ChatGPT first—it's like their go-to source for context on their relationships and discussions."

During the same interview, Altman also touched on how OpenAI leverages ChatGPT, mentioning that it plays a significant role in writing their code, although he refrained from providing specific figures.

A report from OpenAI earlier this year highlighted that college students in the U.S. are, in fact, the largest user group for ChatGPT—more so than any other demographic. The findings showed that over one-third of Americans aged 18 to 24 engage with ChatGPT regularly.

Additionally, a January survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed a surge in usage among teenagers. In 2024, approximately 26% of U.S. teenagers aged 13 to 17 reported using ChatGPT for schoolwork, a significant increase from the 13% recorded just a year prior.

What age group do you fall into, and how do you rely on ChatGPT? It's fascinating to see how age shapes technology usage!