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Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has revealed that younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are using ChatGPT in surprisingly personal and innovative ways — especially as a life advisor. Meanwhile, college students are going even further, treating the AI tool like a personal operating system.
During a recent appearance at Sequoia Capital’s AI Ascent event, Altman highlighted a generational shift in how AI tools like ChatGPT are being adopted and utilized.
How Different Generations Use ChatGPT
Altman explained that usage patterns vary by age group. Older generations tend to use ChatGPT as a Google alternative — a straightforward research tool. In contrast, younger users see it as more than a search engine.
“It’s a big generalization, but older people use ChatGPT as a Google replacement. Maybe people in their 20s and 30s use it as a life advisor. And then college students use it like an operating system,” Altman said.
These younger users go beyond basic prompts. They build elaborate configurations, connect files, and store custom instructions for frequent use. Some even report they don’t make major life decisions without consulting ChatGPT first.
College Students Treat ChatGPT as a Personal OS
Altman emphasized that college students in the U.S. are the most enthusiastic adopters of ChatGPT. A report published by OpenAI earlier this year confirmed that more than one-third of users aged 18 to 24 use the platform regularly.
This age group leverages ChatGPT’s memory and context retention features, allowing for seamless, ongoing conversations tailored to the user’s life, relationships, and goals.
Is ChatGPT Safe as a Life Coach? Experts Are Divided
As more users rely on ChatGPT for advice on relationships, career choices, and even health concerns, some experts are raising red flags.
A 2023 study cautioned that AI tools should not be solely relied upon for safety-critical advice or decisions that require professional validation. The same study stressed the need for ethical safeguards and user education on AI limitations.
One alarming claim from a separate study described large language models as “inherently sociopathic,” challenging their trustworthiness for personal advice. Still, other research suggests that for non-critical, everyday advice, ChatGPT can be a helpful and harmless companion.
AI and the Digital Generation: A Cultural Shift
Altman likened the current AI revolution to the early days of smartphones: “The difference is unbelievable. It reminds me of when smartphones came out. Every kid knew how to use them brilliantly, while older people took years to learn the basics.”
This technological shift reflects a cultural transformation, where Gen Z is not just consuming AI — they are shaping how it integrates into daily life.
