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For better or for worse, artificial intelligence (AI) is here and drastically transforming how various industries operate. Furthermore, AI's impact on individual workers across myriad sectors remains unparalleled. While some folks raise concerns about this technology stealing their jobs, others have a more optimistic outlook. Many workers believe AI can be an asset, making their day-to-day responsibilities easier and less time-consuming. However, the use of AI for merely streamlining repetitive tasks has become controversial. Some people believe generative AI, in particular, cannot develop content that's conducive to key project goals. Nevertheless, one new poll reveals a reasonable chunk of young workers in this country are depending on generative AI programs like ChatGPT.

What to know about ChatGPT usage in the workforce

Data from the Pew Research Center shows that 31% of US workers between the ages of 18 and 29 relied upon this OpenAI chatbot to handle certain responsibilities last month. In March 2023, only 12% of young working Americans admitted to using ChatGPT. Older people, on the other hand, are less likely to rely upon this form of generative AI. For instance, only 21% of working Americans between 30 and 49 confirmed they used ChatGPT in February 2024. For employed individuals ages 50 and above, just 10% turned to the chatbot. If current trends maintain, people entering the workforce or just starting out in their careers will likely continue relying on ChatGPT.

This could be problematic for young people

Last year, OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, got hit with a lawsuit from the New York Times. The esteemed publication accused OpenAI of pulling from copyrighted content to train bots like ChatGPT. Since then, other generative AI developers found themselves on the receiving end of legal action, as well. Despite its popularity among younger people, ChatGPT has come under fire for spitting out information that isn't always accurate or up-to-date. For this reason, people who do depend upon the OpenAI chatbot are encouraged to fact-check any content it emits. On various freelance platforms, such as Upwork, there's even been an uptick in clients and hirers stating they don't want writers creating content with ChatGPT or other forms of AI. While some businesses and others in the workforce are fine with ChatGPT, young people should be mindful that not everyone will want them working with generative AI.