AI usage rare; linked to dark personality traits

Study finds AI use rare; linked to narcissism, psychopathy

Why it matters

  • Provides objective data on AI usage, which is often overestimated.
  • Highlights psychological traits of AI users, influencing adoption and regulation.

By the numbers

  • AI browsing makes up less than 1% of online activity for most people.
  • Sample size: Over 14 million website visits analyzed.
  • Participants: 499 university students and 455 general public members.
  • ChatGPT accounts for over 85% of AI-related visits.

The big picture

  • Despite hype, actual AI usage is minimal.
  • People with certain aversive personality traits (narcissism, psychopathy) are more likely to use AI.

What they're saying

  • Skepticism about the study's scope and methodology.
  • Comments highlight potential limitations in sample representativeness.

Caveats

  • Study only looked at web-based interactions, not mobile app usage.
  • Limited to Google Chrome users and those who agreed to share browsing history.
  • General public sample had lower AI usage rates, limiting generalizability.

What’s next

  • Further studies to understand the content of AI interactions and their downstream consequences.