Is the rise of AI felt in daily life, or is AI gradually taking on a more significant role in our lives? The prospect is intriguing and filled with potential. For a clear understanding, we need to examine a few essential aspects.
The emergence of ChatGPT in November 2022 democratized the use of generative AI, allowing anyone to use it without programming skills. However, according to a study by Reuters and Oxford University, the adoption of these technologies still needs improvement. Only a tiny percentage of users use them daily: 1% in Japan and 7% in the US. Approximately 20-30% of online users have not heard of the most popular AI tools. The study in six countries shows significant generational differences: over 56% of young people aged 18-24 have used ChatGPT at least once, compared to only 16% of those over 55.
Although adoption is still low overall, AI’s impact on productivity is not just remarkable, it’s game-changing. A study of 758 consultants from the Boston Consulting Group demonstrates the increased efficiency of using AI. Participants who used AI completed 12.2% more tasks, were 25.1% faster, and achieved 40% better results than the control group. This is a clear indication of the potential of AI to revolutionize productivity.
AI is rapidly gaining ground in education, and the potential for transformation is inspiring. Partnerships between major AI companies and prestigious universities accelerate this trend. Georgia Tech has launched an AI Makerspace, an AI supercomputer dedicated to education, in collaboration with Nvidia. IBM is working with MIT through the IBM Watson AI Lab, and Microsoft Research Cambridge is collaborating with the University of Cambridge on advanced AI research projects. These initiatives demonstrate the growing interest in AI in the academic environment and its potential to transform the educational process.
Recognizing this potential, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Edu, a specialized version for educational institutions. The success achieved by universities such as Oxford, Wharton, and Columbia with ChatGPT Enterprise paved the way for this initiative, highlighting the transformation in how we learn and interact with information.
The adoption of AI in consumer technology is also on the rise. Apple announced the integration of ChatGPT into its ecosystem, including Siri and the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Meanwhile, Google is intensifying AI integration in Android through Gemini. These developments promise to bring AI closer to the average user, making the technology more accessible and easy for the general public. I emphasize that integrating AI directly into operating systems will expose users to this technology, and we can expect our parents to use it.
AI’s impact is also strongly felt in the labor market. A 2024 PwC report indicates a significant increase in productivity in sectors exposed to AI. Demand for AI skills is increasing, with job postings in the field multiplying 3.5 times faster than the average. Salaries for these positions can be up to 25% higher, reflecting the value of these skills.
Employee perspectives on AI are mixed. According to Indeed, due to AI, 75% of American employees expect significant changes in their professional roles in the next five years. Although 47% are concerned about the potential negative impact on jobs, 92% are confident in their ability to adapt and collaborate with new technologies.
While AI adoption in daily life is still in its early stages, the trend is upward. AI already significantly influences productivity, education, and our interaction with technology. With solid partnerships between companies and universities and AI integration into our daily devices, the future promises widespread adoption of this innovative technology, fundamentally transforming how we live, learn, and work. It would be wise to allocate time to understand AI.
About the author
Florin Zeru is an assistant lecturer in the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations and has a Ph.D. in communication with the thesis “Government Communication in Romania Through Social Networks: Provocations, Benefits, and Recommendations”. Florin is also an institutional communication expert due to his work in the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry for Relations with the Parliament, and the Romanian Government. In addition, having worked on electoral campaigns for the past 13 years, he has a wealth of experience in political communication. Lastly, he has held various expert positions in several European-funded projects and has experience evaluating higher education institutions. You can get in touch with Florin through his social media accounts:
