News
A new report shows the mass-market adoption of generative AI in the U.S. is happening at a faster pace than PCs and the internet.
The 45-page report released this month, “The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI,” details findings from a nationally representative U.S. survey on generative AI use at work and home.
The report is co-authored by Alexander Bick — an economist and economic policy advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis — Adam Blandin — an assistant professor of economics at Vanderbilt University — and David Deming — the Isabelle and Scott Black Professor of Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School.
Generative AI is "a groundbreaking technology, but its economic impact depends on the speed and intensity of its adoption,” the report says.
The report shows that in August 2024, 39% of the U.S. population aged 18-64 used generative AI, with 28% of those employed using it at work, including 10% daily, and 32% using it outside of work.
See more: 10 Top Generative AI Products
After two years, the adoption rate of generative AI was 39%, the report says. By comparison, after three years, the adoption rate of PCs was 20%, and after two years, the adoption rate of the internet was about 20%.
“The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI” indicates workers in a range of occupations use generative AI. Nearly half of those in computer, mathematical and management roles use it, and one in five blue-collar workers use the technology.
Workers use generative AI for various tasks: writing (38%); administrative support (26%); interpreting and summarizing text or data (23%); coding (13%); documentation or detail instructions (13%); generating/developing new ideas (13%); support with customers/coworkers (11%); data analysis/visualization (8%); and tutoring or education assistance (3%).
They use several leading AI products: ChatGPT (28%); Gemini (16%); embedded products, such as Microsoft Copilot (13%); GitHub Copilot (5%); Midjourney (4%); Scribe (4%); Claude (3%); Synthesia (3%); and other (3%).
Overall, the researchers estimate that between 0.5% and 3.5% of all work hours in the U.S. are currently supported by generative AI.
Here's the online report: “The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI.”
See more: 10 Top Generative AI Certifications
