OpenAI CEO Sam Altman discussed how people of different age groups use ChatGPT during an interview at Sequoia Capital's AI Ascent event on May 2. According to Altman, older individuals often view ChatGPT as a substitute for Google, primarily using it for quick searches and answers to straightforward questions. People in their 20s and 30s, on the other hand, tend to use ChatGPT more as a life advisor, seeking guidance on various personal and professional matters. College students, Altman noted, engage with ChatGPT in a much more sophisticated manner, treating it almost like an operating system. These young users often set up complex configurations to connect ChatGPT with various files and have memorized intricate prompts to enhance its functionality. Altman's observations highlight significant generational differences in technology adoption and interaction. Older users, likely more accustomed to traditional search engines, find ChatGPT convenient for basic inquiries. Younger users, particularly those in college, appear to be leveraging ChatGPT's advanced capabilities to integrate it deeply into their daily lives and workflows, suggesting a more fluid and adaptive engagement with the technology. When asked about OpenAI's internal usage of ChatGPT, Altman mentioned that it plays a crucial role in writing a substantial portion of the company's code, though he did not provide specific figures. This aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where AI tools are increasingly being integrated into software development processes. For instance, Google CEO Sundar Pichai reported in October that AI wrote over 25% of Google's new code. OpenAI's own research supports Altman's claims regarding the widespread use of ChatGPT among college students. A February report indicated that US college students utilize ChatGPT more frequently than any other demographic, with over one-third of individuals aged 18 to 24 in the US regularly using it. The Pew Research Center's survey further corroborates this trend, showing that 26% of US teenagers aged 13 to 17 used ChatGPT for their schoolwork in 2024, up from 13% in 2023. This rapid increase underscores the growing reliance on and integration of AI in educational settings, particularly among younger generations. Despite the insights provided by Altman and the supporting data from various sources, some questions remain unanswered. For example, the specifics of how OpenAI integrates ChatGPT into its coding processes and the extent of its reliance on the AI tool for critical functions are not fully articulated. Additionally, the ethical implications of relying heavily on AI for decision-making, especially among younger users, raise concerns about how this impacts personal agency and critical thinking skills. Industry insiders and experts have weighed in on Altman's observations. Many agree that the generational divide in AI usage is evident and reflects broader shifts in how different age groups approach technology. Some experts praise the innovative ways younger users are integrating AI into their workflows, noting that this could lead to significant productivity gains and new applications for AI. However, others caution against over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human oversight and critical thinking in decision-making processes. OpenAI, founded in 2015, is a leading research organization in the field of artificial intelligence. Known for developing cutting-edge AI models like GPT-4, the company aims to ensure that AI advancements benefit humanity. Sam Altman, CEO since 2015, has been a key figure in driving OpenAI's mission forward and shaping the future of AI through strategic innovations and collaborations.