Sam Altman Says Gen Z Treats ChatGPT as an ‘Operating System’

Generative AI is evolving from a search aid into the core of personal workflows, with usage patterns diverging across generations. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said older people largely treat ChatGPT as a Google alternative, while younger users turn to it to plan their lives, seek advice and even make investment decisions. The contrast reflects differing levels of reliance on AI across age groups.

Altman recently said Gen Z has come to view ChatGPT as an “operating system” for work and life, building context and connecting data before using it to make everyday decisions about food, sleep and stock purchases. Related data shows that 70% of Gen Z in the United States uses AI each week. However, the available information does not specify the exact release date of either Altman’s remarks or the survey.