Pew Research reveals one-third of US adults now use ChatGPT regularly

Artificial intelligence has moved from a novelty to a routine utility, with 2025 data from the Pew Research Centre revealing that one-third of American adults—including 58% of those under 30—now utilise ChatGPT.

Despite this rapid adoption, researchers and educators are emphasising that the technology should function as a "thought partner" rather than a total replacement for human intellect.

Timothy B. Lee, founder of the Understanding AI newsletter, suggests that individuals should use AI for generating ideas and breaking down complex tasks into smaller, easier steps.

For those navigating intricate research, tools such as Claude and Perplexity offer efficient summaries, yet verification remains paramount.

Catherine Goetze, an AI educator, suggests that you should use AI to overcome creative blocks, but you should never rely solely on AI.

To maintain accuracy, experts recommend using Google’s NotebookLM to organise personal notes without the risk of incorporating unverified internet sources.

Associate Professor Ella Hafermalz notes that it can lower barriers to entry for new activities, but must remain a starting point for exploring hobbies or learning.

Furthermore, Goetze advises checking sources, dates, and links to avoid the pitfalls of "blindly trusting" automated outputs.

Using these systems as a supplement to real-life decision-making requires clear objectives and constant human oversight.

Ultimately, the consensus among professionals is that AI is most effective when it augments human creativity and productivity, provided users maintain a critical and questioning approach to the information provided.