OpenAI’s ChatGPT usage patterns: Coding is only 4.2% of all messages, compared to 33% work-related Claude chats. Companionship/role-play/games is less than 3%, contrary to public perceptions

Understanding ChatGPT Usage Patterns: Insights from OpenAI’s Research (Nov 2022 – Jul 2025)

The rapid adoption of conversational AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT has transformed how individuals interact with technology across the globe. A comprehensive analysis of user behavior from November 2022 through July 2025 reveals intriguing patterns that challenge common perceptions and shed light on the diverse applications of this powerful tool.

Key Findings on ChatGPT Usage

• Coding and Technical Assistance Are Minor Use Cases
  Despite widespread assumptions, only 4.2% of all messages exchanged with ChatGPT are related to programming or coding tasks. This indicates that technical help constitutes a small fraction of overall interactions, especially when contrasted with Claude’s work-related chats, where about 33% focus on professional tasks.

• Limited Use for Personal Relationships and Games
  Messages pertaining to companionship, personal reflection, or role-playing are surprisingly scarce — less than 3%. Specifically, just 1.9% of interactions involve personal or relational topics, and a mere 0.4% are dedicated to gaming or role-play activities. This suggests that, contrary to popular narratives, users primarily leverage ChatGPT for informational or productivity purposes rather than entertainment or companionship.

• Preference for Asking over Doing
  A noteworthy trend is the predominance of users seeking advice, explanations, or information—referred to here as “asking”—over executing tasks directly within ChatGPT. These inquiry-based interactions tend to garner higher user satisfaction ratings compared to task-focused messages, emphasizing the model’s role as a knowledge companion.

Regional Trends and Adoption

• Growing Adoption in Low and Middle-Income Countries
  While early AI usage was concentrated in affluent nations, data indicates that low- and middle-income countries experienced the fastest growth in ChatGPT adoption in 2025. Many nations with GDP per capita between $10,000 and $40,000 exhibit high engagement rates, underscoring the global reach of conversational AI.

Demographic Insights

• Gender Dynamics
  Initially, a significant majority—around 80%—of ChatGPT users had names typically associated with masculinity. By mid-2025, this gap closed, with a slight majority of active users now having traditionally feminine names. Usage patterns also reveal gender-specific preferences: women tend to utilize ChatGPT more for writing assistance and practical guidance, whereas men predominantly seek technical help, information, and multimedia content.

• Age-Related Usage Patterns