Closing Demographic Gaps and Shifting Usage: The Changing Landscape of AI Adoption
New research reveals that ChatGPT use is closing demographic gaps and shifting towards personal use, while educational programs adapt to train AI-collaborative professionals.
- • ChatGPT users worldwide reached 10% of adults as of July 2025, with young adults aged 18-25 generating nearly half the messages.
- • The gender gap in AI adoption has closed, with women making up over half of users.
- • Middle-income countries are adopting ChatGPT faster than wealthier nations, reflecting a shift in technology access.
- • Educational institutions like MSU Denver are adapting curricula to prepare students for AI collaboration, introducing Data Science and Computer Security majors.
Key details
A recent study by David Deming and economists from OpenAI reveals significant demographic shifts and evolving usage patterns in the adoption of ChatGPT, highlighting its growing role as an assistant rather than a replacement for traditional work. As of July 2025, about 10% of the global adult population uses ChatGPT, with young adults aged 18 to 25 generating nearly half of the 2.6 billion daily messages sent. Notably, the gender gap in AI adoption is closing, with women now constituting over half of ChatGPT users. Geographically, middle-income countries are adopting ChatGPT at a faster pace than wealthier nations, indicating a redistribution of technology access worldwide.
The study points out a significant shift from work-related to personal usage, especially among younger users, with around 80% of messages falling into three categories including a marked increase in information-seeking queries. Meanwhile, in education and workforce preparation, Colorado's MSU Denver is adapting to these AI trends by evolving its computer science curriculum. The university has introduced new majors in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Computer Security to prepare students for collaboration with AI tools in the workplace.
Angela Fleenor, a computer science senior, expresses concern about job prospects as AI and automation alter traditional roles such as live captioning and coding, citing a 6% unemployment rate among recent graduates in the field, higher than other majors. Nevertheless, Daniel Pittman, associate professor at MSU Denver, reassures that AI does not eliminate the need for human programmers but rather changes their role by increasing efficiency. Pittman cautions businesses against overreliance on AI without understanding its limitations, particularly as experienced developers retire without adequate replacements. Students like Monica Ball and Emma Tran remain skeptical about relying solely on AI for software development due to security and accuracy concerns.
This comprehensive picture shows AI adoption becoming more inclusive demographically and geographically, with shifts in usage reflecting deeper integration of AI as an assistant. At the same time, educational institutions are responding by equipping students with skills not only to use AI tools but also to address emerging challenges in the workforce. This evolution underscores the nuanced reality that AI transforms rather than replaces human work across sectors.