ChatGPT Daily Messages Surge Sixfold... Minor-Only Version Launching End of This Month

Daily Messages Soar from 451 Million to 2.6 Billion in One Year
Gender and Country Gaps Narrow; Nearly Half of Users Aged 18-25
OpenAI Introduces Dedicated Minor Version with Enhanced Parental Controls and Crisis Response

ChatGPT usage has surged dramatically over the past year. The average number of messages generated per day has increased nearly sixfold, with a significant rise in everyday life applications compared to work-related uses, according to analysis.

On September 15 (local time), OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, together with researchers from Harvard University, analyzed approximately 1.5 million anonymous conversations that took place from May last year to June this year, revealing actual usage patterns of ChatGPT three years after its launch. OpenAI explained, "Given that 700 million people use the service weekly, this study is the most comprehensive research on AI usage patterns published to date."

The number of messages generated per day soared from 451 million in June last year to 2.627 billion in June this year. Notably, the proportion of use for work purposes decreased from 47% to 27% during the same period, while non-work purposes such as daily life and leisure expanded from 53% to 73%. OpenAI assessed, "It has established itself as a tool that creates value not only for productivity but also in everyday life."

About 75% of all conversations were related to practical advice, information search, or writing. The proportion of specialized tasks such as coding was relatively low. By message type, 49% were questions, 40% were specific task requests such as drafting, and 11% were conversations expressing personal status.

The gender gap has narrowed rapidly. At the end of 2022, 80% of users were male, but in the most recent survey, women accounted for 52%, surpassing men. By country, usage grew fastest in middle-income countries (per capita GDP of $10,000 to $40,000), while the growth rate in the lowest-income countries was more than four times higher than in high-income countries.

By age group, users aged 18 to 25 accounted for 46% of all messages, while those in their 30s to 60s-typical working ages-showed a relatively higher proportion of work-related use.

Meanwhile, OpenAI will introduce an enhanced parental control version of ChatGPT for users under 18 at the end of this month. If a user is identified as a minor, the system will automatically switch to a dedicated environment where violent and explicit content is blocked, and law enforcement agencies can intervene in crisis situations.

Additionally, the company is developing technology to more accurately predict users' ages. If uncertainty remains, the default will be to apply the ChatGPT environment for minors. Parents will be able to link their accounts to their children's accounts to limit usage time, set guidelines for response styles, and receive notifications if their child experiences severe emotional distress.

These measures come as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun investigating the impact of AI chatbots on youth, targeting major companies including OpenAI. The FTC has requested data, stating that it is necessary to confirm what steps companies have taken to ensure the safety of chatbots.

Previously, OpenAI also faced a lawsuit filed by a parent who claimed that their son died after prolonged interaction with ChatGPT.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, stated on his blog, "We prioritize safety over the freedom and privacy of teenagers," adding, "This is a new and powerful technology, and minors require special protection." He continued, "It was not an easy decision, but after discussions with experts, we believe this is the best course of action, and we want to be transparent about our intentions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.