Sam Altman: Different Generations Use ChatGPT Differently Significantly, Gen Z Treats It as an "Operating System"

Odaily reported that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that users of different age groups show significant differences in how they use ChatGPT: older users mainly use it as a "search engine alternative," those aged 20 to 30 see it more as a "life advisor," while the younger Gen Z treats it as an "operating system." The way this generation interacts with AI is "strikingly different," similar to the generational gap observed when early smartphones became widespread. They often use ChatGPT deeply through complex prompts, file integration, and memory features, even consulting AI before making life decisions. An official report in 2025 showed that over one-third of US users aged 18–24 use ChatGPT. (Fortune)