Why People Use Generative AI Tools in 2026

 Which types of tasks are Americans using generative AI tools for? How does AI use vary by age and income?

To find out, EMARKETER conducted a survey in May 2026 among 1,570 consumers in the United States aged 15-80 who use generative AI tools.

Among respondents who use generative AI tools at least weekly, some 51% say they use them for "asking" (to look for information), 34% for "doing" (for help with personal tasks), 30% for "playing" (for fun), and 26% for "working" (for work or school tasks).

Gen Z and millennial respondents are more likely to use AI at least weekly compared with older generations, and are also more likely to use AI to meet a wider range of different needs.

Higher income respondents (household income over $200,000) are twice as likely to use AI tools for working compared with lower income respondents (household income under $49,999).

About the research: The report was based on data from a survey conducted in May 2026 among 1,570 consumers in the United States aged 15-80.

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