The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI

Bick, Alexander; Blandin, Adam; Deming, David

doi:10.20955/wp.2024.027

Working Paper Revision

The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI

Abstract: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a potentially important new technology, but its impact on the economy depends on the speed and intensity of adoption. This paper reports results from a series of nationally representative U.S. surveys of generative AI use at work and at home. As of late 2024, 45% of the U.S. population age 18-64 uses generative AI. Among employed respondents, 27% used generative AI for work at least once in the previous week: 10% used it every workday, and 17% on some but not all workdays. Relative to each technology’s first mass-market product launch, work adoption of generative AI has been as fast as the personal computer (PC), and overall adoption has been faster than either PCs or the internet. Between 1 and 7% of all work hours are currently assisted by generative AI, and respondents report time savings equivalent to 1.4% of total work hours. Potential productivity gains vary widely by industry, and firm climate and policies play an important role in adoption patterns.

JEL Classification: J24; O33;

https://doi.org/10.20955/wp.2024.027