A new poll done by Harvard economist David Deming, along with Alexander Bick and Adam Blandin, demonstrates that Americans are rapidly adopting generative AI. The study, which was based on the highly regarded Current Population Survey (CPS), sought to determine how common the usage of generative AI had grown. To the researchers’ astonishment, almost 40% of Americans aged 18 to 64 had used this technology, with a sizable proportion using it on a daily basis.
Deming, who previously questioned AI’s economic implications, has grown more enthusiastic. The poll discovered that more than 24% of American workers had used AI in the week preceding the survey, with nearly one in every nine utilizing it on a daily basis at work. Deming stated that AI use is widespread, especially among blue-collar workers. Approximately 22% of blue-collar workers reported using AI, which astonished experts.
The adoption rate of artificial intelligence in the United States is exceeding that of personal computers and the internet. This is most likely due to the fact that generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are widely available, generally free or with a nominal membership price, and are known to the majority of internet users. Early technologies, such as computers and the internet, needed expensive equipment and technical skills, which slowed acceptance.
Despite the fast use of AI, there are still uncertainties regarding its genuine economic effect. In a prior Census Bureau research, just 5% of enterprises reported employing AI, prompting some to conclude AI’s economic impact is limited. Much of the present AI application may be for personal or entertaining purposes rather than to improve workplace efficiency.
However, Deming’s analysis discovered that AI is being applied in the workplace. Approximately one-fourth of respondents utilized AI at least once during work hours in the preceding week. Writing, translating, and administrative activities were the most prevalent applications, but AI also helped with coding, customer service, and communicating with colleagues. Deming thinks that many employees may use AI “under the radar,” or without officially revealing it to their employers.
Not everyone believes AI will alter the economy. Daron Acemoglu, an MIT economist and notable AI critic, claims that while many Americans use AI, it does not always result in considerable productivity increases. He points out that certain AI applications, such as producing an email introduction, may be superficial rather than fully embedded into work processes, which might result in significant economic gains.
Deming and his colleagues estimated that AI might enhance worker productivity by 0.125 to 0.875 percentage points. While this may appear insignificant, with the present productivity growth rate of 1.5% per year, even a minor increase might have huge economic consequences.
Although AI may not spark an economic revolution overnight, Deming believes that continual integration into technologies like as the iPhone, which will soon include built-in AI capabilities, might result in significant gains over time. As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily technologies, it may progressively lead to increased productivity and economic growth.
This article is based on reporting by Greg Rosalsky for NPR’s Planet Money. You can check out the full article here.
Hi, I'm Voss Xolani, and I'm passionate about all things AI. With many years of experience in the tech industry, I specialize in explaining the functionality and benefits of AI-powered software for both businesses and individual users. My content explores the latest AI tools, offering practical insights on how they can streamline workflows, boost productivity, and drive innovation. I also review new software solutions to help readers understand their features and applications. Beyond that, I stay up-to-date with AI trends and experiment with emerging technologies to provide the most relevant information.