Despite hundreds of millions of weekly active users, a huge multiple of that number have tried ChatGPT but can't find a reason to use it regularly. This signals a major gap between initial curiosity and sustained product-market fit for the general population.
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Today's dominant AI tools like ChatGPT are perceived as productivity aids, akin to "homework helpers." The next multi-billion dollar opportunity is in creating the go-to AI for fun, creativity, and entertainment—the app people use when they're not working. This untapped market focuses on user expression and play.
The current AI hype cycle can create misleading top-of-funnel metrics. The only companies that will survive are those demonstrating strong, above-benchmark user and revenue retention. It has become the ultimate litmus test for whether a product provides real, lasting value beyond the initial curiosity.
Despite the hype around AI's coding prowess, an OpenAI study reveals it is a niche activity on consumer plans, accounting for only 4% of messages. The vast majority of usage is for more practical, everyday guidance like writing help, information seeking, and general advice.
Even professionals who use ChatGPT daily are often unaware of its most powerful "reasoning" capabilities, like Deep Research. This pervasive knowledge gap means users stick to basic tasks like writing, missing out on the profound strategic value these advanced features offer for complex problem-solving.
OpenAI's research shows a significant capabilities gap. While adoption is high, most workers use basic features like writing and search. Technical "power users" leverage advanced functions like custom GPTs, indicating a major need for company-wide training to unlock full productivity potential.
