Most People Know ChatGPT, but Actual Users Are Only 2%

"There is a gap between expectations and public perception"

Was the anticipation for OpenAI's generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot 'ChatGPT' premature? A survey revealed that the number of workers actually using the chatbot in daily life or at work is extremely minimal.

On the 28th (local time), the British BBC broadcast pointed out that the expectations surrounding ChatGPT may have been 'exaggerated.' The broadcast cited the results of a recent survey conducted by Oxford University in the UK, targeting 12,000 citizens from six countries (Denmark, France, Japan, the UK, the US, and Argentina). In the survey, citizens were asked, "Do you use ChatGPT regularly?" Only 2% of respondents answered affirmatively.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI [Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding this, Dr. Richard Fletcher of Oxford University, who conducted the survey, pointed out that "there is a mismatch between the 'hype' around AI technology and the actual public interest." However, the level of enthusiasm varied by age group. Respondents aged 18 to 24 were more positive about using AI compared to other age groups.

AI companies, including OpenAI, are investing massive capital in generative AI. The BBC even described this as an 'arms race.' The cost of developing proprietary generative AI can sometimes approach trillions of won.

However, apart from the enormous development costs, AI does not yet seem to have fully permeated the lives of ordinary people. Dr. Fletcher said, "Most of the public does not have a particular interest in generative AI," adding that "in the UK, 30% of people responded that they were unaware of well-known products including ChatGPT."

Experts also differ in their predictions about the actual impact AI will have on economic growth and industry. Optimists expect it to promote economic growth and develop life-saving new drugs, while pessimists dismiss it as a 'waste of money.' Some even warn that AI poses a threat to social systems.

In this regard, Dr. Fletcher told the BBC, "People's hopes and fears about generative AI vary depending on the application area of AI," analyzing that "generally, the use of AI in science and medical fields is viewed optimistically, but its use in news and journalism is met with more caution."