Why Regular People Are Embracing Big Ai Bills

There's no limit these days to the uses of artificial intelligence. The technology promises to do everything faster, smarter and better than humans. But far from the excitement on Wall Street or Silicon Valley, everyday people are embracing AI, hoping to make themselves faster, smarter and better.

It's been a little more than two years since OpenAI released its chatbot, ChatGPT, which opened a public gateway to AI. Before then, the idea of artificial intelligence felt technical and abstract, reserved for engineers and scientists. Now anyone from stay-at-home moms to financial analysts are using a flood of apps to research, solve problems or even supercharge their work. In fact, more than 35 of Americans report using some kind of AI-enabled product at least once a week, according to a recent Gallup poll. Many are willing to pay, too.

ChatGPT has a free version of its AI chatbot, but users can pay up to US200 R3 600/month for unlimited access to its more advanced models. Paid versions of apps like AI image generator Midjourney and the design app Canva are also growing in popularity, each costing about 10/month. And for power users, this can mean paying multiple bills, akin to streaming platforms for TV shows. But to them, the cost is worth what feels like extra brain power.

"People are willing to spend money on this kind of stuff," said Vasant Dhar, a professor at New York University's Stern School of Business. "It makes life easier and better and the applications are all across the board, from virtual companions to investing advice."

"I use it anytime I have a question," she said. "I'll just say, 'Give me ideas to wash my windows,' and it will come up with ideas."