ChatGPT: A Rollercoaster of Adoption

Why ChatGPT’s Popularity is Waning and What It Reveals About GenAI Adoption.

The Ebb and Flow of Popularity

ChatGPT burst onto the scene almost a year ago, captivating the public with its ability to generate surprisingly coherent text. But what happened? After an initial popularity surge, traffic has dipped for three consecutive months, according to web analytics firm Similarweb. A generational divide might best explain this rollercoaster of attention, unclear organizational use cases, and the classic innovation adoption curve.

The Generational Gap in Adoption

A recent survey reveals a stark contrast in ChatGPT adoption across different age groups. According to Forbes, a whopping 70% of Gen Z respondents have tried ChatGPT or similar generative AI tools, while only 21% of Gen X and a mere 12% of Baby Boomers can say the same. My informal poll of executives echoed these findings: ChatGPT is a must-have tool for college and high school students. In contrast, many executives and older professionals see it as either a fleeting trend or a far-off technology akin to crypto.

Understanding and Utilizing the Technology

During a coworking session this past summer, I observed firsthand how some people reduce ChatGPT to a mere search engine. Coupled with my own polling data, it became evident that many mid-to-senior level executives either have yet to try it, were unimpressed by its limited functionalities, or used it only occasionally for text editing. Although such uses are valid, they barely scratch the surface of ChatGPT’s potential for data analysis, creativity, and automation.

Communities and Conversation: Learning from Each Other

I decided to poll a more tech-savvy community to see if the results translated. I found that most regularly used LLMs like ChatGPT. However, they also felt that they needed to get the most out of their interactions and began asking how others were using it while sharing their own prompts, from market analysis to product pricing optimization. But it also showcased another issue. There is much room for prompting improvement. While you can find frameworks and tips on Reddit or LinkedIn, prompting is a contextual exercise that often requires hours of hands-on practice and sometimes even coaching.

The Organizational Learning Curve

Early adopters like McKinsey and Walmart already deployed their LLMs in the corporate world. Yet, many organizations are still on the sidelines evaluating and perhaps even underestimating the technology. Delaying adoption is more than just a wait-and-see strategy; it’s a fast track to falling behind. Organizations must educate their teams on unlocking generative AI's full capabilities.

The Road Ahead

Though the initial hype has subsided, we’re still only glimpsing the tip of the iceberg regarding this technology’s potential. While younger generations seem to have embraced the technology with gusto, there’s a notable lack of enthusiasm among older professionals and a hesitation in organizational uptake. Whether it’s about staying ahead in the corporate world or understanding the next wave of digital transformation, the conversation is still ongoing. But this phase may just be the calm before the storm. As GenAI evolves and organizations recognize its potential, we may witness a surge that reshapes the corporate world and our daily lives. If your company hasn’t yet tapped into the power of generative AI, now is the time to start training your workforce and planning your AI strategy.

Feel free to reach out to help your organization stay ahead of the curve.