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2025-02-20
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its integration into daily life has expanded rapidly, providing users with a variety of tools for various purposes. From learning new subjects to writing emails, AI is reshaping how we tackle tasks. According to a recent survey by Future, the publisher behind undercode, the US and the UK are using AI in similar ways, but with some distinct regional preferences. While tasks like generating photorealistic images and improving writing quality are common, there are some unexpected uses emerging as well.
In this article, we’ll explore the top five AI uses as reported by users in the UK and the US, as well as delve into some more unconventional applications. AI’s reach goes beyond the workplace, even venturing into areas like job applications and personal therapy. Read on to see how people are using AI tools today and what this means for the future.
the Survey Findings:
A survey conducted by Future highlighted the most popular uses of AI tools across the US and the UK. The top four uses in both countries include learning about new subjects, using AI as an alternative to traditional search engines, writing emails, and generating content ideas. These results reflect the growing integration of AI in daily activities, with 70% of US respondents and 50% of UK respondents using AI for at least one task.
Notably, the US favored using AI for learning and searching, while in the UK, email writing and content generation topped the list. Lesser common uses included generating code in the US, while the UK showed a higher preference for using AI in job applications. Other interesting uses included AI as a “free therapist,” with approximately 10-11% of people in both countries turning to chatbots for personal support.
Despite AI’s impressive capabilities, not all uses are well-received. Concerns about AI replacing human roles in areas like fitness and wellness emerged, highlighting the need for further discussions around AI’s ethical implications.
What Undercode Says:
The survey results present a fascinating snapshot of how AI is being integrated into everyday life across two different cultures. There are clear overlaps, especially in primary uses like learning, emailing, and content generation. However, the way these tools are perceived and applied varies depending on geography and professional landscape. For example, in the US, 27% of people use AI to learn about new subjects, closely followed by its use as an alternative to traditional search engines. This reflects a clear shift away from older methods of gathering information, favoring the speed and convenience of AI-driven tools. This trend seems especially strong in the US, where AI-powered research assistants like ChatGPT are seen as a more direct and efficient alternative to platforms like Google.
In the UK, however, writing emails and generating content ideas take precedence. The difference in priorities could stem from the professional environments in each country. With the UK’s larger concentration of industries like marketing and communications, tools like AI-powered content generators and email-writing assistants are seen as time-saving solutions. The fact that a considerable portion of respondents use AI tools in these ways suggests the growing reliance on AI to handle routine tasks, allowing workers more time to focus on creative or complex work.
The stark contrast in AI’s role between the US and the UK reflects the broader shift towards task automation. However, the rise of AI doesn’t come without challenges. The emergence of AI as a “free therapist” is a particularly intriguing development. With about 10-11% of respondents in both countries indicating they use AI chatbots for emotional support, it raises the question: Can AI provide adequate mental health care, or is this merely a temporary substitute for human interaction? This phenomenon is especially noteworthy in light of the ongoing global mental health crisis, where the demand for mental health services often exceeds the supply. While AI may help bridge gaps in accessibility, it cannot replace professional therapists who provide empathy, guidance, and emotional support.
Moreover, AI tools are also being used for personal tasks like fitness planning, an area where human expertise is traditionally seen as invaluable. The rise of AI-generated workout plans signals a shift in how people approach self-improvement. Many are willing to trust AI with their health and fitness goals, bypassing the costs associated with personal trainers or specialized workout programs. However, there is an underlying risk: reliance on generic AI suggestions without personalized adjustments could lead to ineffective or even harmful outcomes, especially for individuals with specific health needs.
Interestingly, the survey didn’t probe deeper into the quality of AI-generated outputs in these areas. People may turn to AI for convenience, but how many are truly satisfied with the results? AI fitness plans, for example, may lack the customization and professional knowledge a real trainer offers. The same can be said for job application assistance, which can range from resume tips to interview practice. While AI might help polish your documents or guide you through the process, it’s unlikely to match the nuanced feedback a career counselor or mentor could provide.
The findings are also a reflection of the broader trend toward AI replacing more administrative and repetitive tasks. It’s no surprise that project management schedules are another area where AI is gaining traction. Generative AI tools are ideal for quickly creating schedules, ensuring that projects stay on track and deadlines are met. The potential to streamline these tasks could revolutionize workplace efficiency, making it easier for businesses to operate at scale.
Looking beyond workplace applications, the use of AI in personal projects and creative endeavors continues to grow. AI’s ability to assist in generating content ideas, writing emails, and even formulating complex arguments or creative narratives is reshaping how individuals approach content creation. This ease of use, combined with the speed at which AI can produce results, is making tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini indispensable in the creative process.
What this all points to is a future where AI serves as a multifunctional assistant, supporting users in everything from personal growth to professional productivity. However, as AI tools become more embedded in daily life, the question of how they will impact human labor, mental health, and personal autonomy remains. While AI’s potential is vast, it is important that users remain aware of its limitations and ethical considerations, especially in areas like emotional support and personalized health advice. The AI revolution is underway, but its full implications are yet to be realized.
References:
Reported By: https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/these-are-the-top-5-things-people-are-using-ai-for-and-free-therapy-doesnt-make-the-list
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