A growing number of young users are turning to AI for everyday guidance, and according to Sam Altman, Gen Z is interacting with ChatGPT very differently from older generations.
Speaking at a Sequoia Capital event, Altman explained that different age groups are using ChatGPT in completely different ways. Older users mainly treat the AI tool as a replacement for traditional search engines. People in their 20s and 30s often use it for advice related to careers, relationships, and life decisions.
However, college-aged users are taking things much further. Altman said many students now use ChatGPT almost like an operating system. They build detailed workflows around it by saving prompts, linking files, and organising conversations in structured ways.
He also revealed that many young users are relying heavily on the AI tool before making major life decisions. “They don’t make life decisions without asking ChatGPT,” Altman said during the discussion.
This shift has become possible because of ChatGPT’s memory feature, which can retain context from earlier conversations. Over time, the tool builds a better understanding of users based on their shared details about personal life, studies, careers, and relationships.
A 2025 OpenAI report found that more than 33% of people aged 18 to 24 in the US use ChatGPT, making college students one of the platform’s most active user groups.
Experts remain divided on how safe this growing dependence on AI could be. Some studies have raised concerns about using AI for high-stakes or safety-sensitive decisions, while other research suggests the impact for everyday guidance is mostly neutral or sometimes helpful.
Altman compared the trend to the rise of smartphones, saying younger generations have once again adapted to new technology much faster than older users.
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