August 01, 2025
ChatGPT Surpasses Google in Key Areas as AI Adoption Soars Among U.S. Consumers
A new study by digital marketing expert Joe Youngblood reveals that artificial intelligence is now a core part of everyday life for most Americans, with three in four U.S. consumers having used an AI tool within the past six months.
The research, which examined national usage trends across leading AI platforms, found that 75% of Americans have interacted with an AI system recently, a sign that AI has moved into the mainstream. Even more telling, 33% of respondents are daily users, indicating that AI tools are now regular fixtures in people’s digital routines.
“These numbers show a clear shift in how Americans are seeking information and making purchasing decisions,” said Joe Youngblood, Founder. “The fact that ChatGPT is now preferred over Google for certain types of searches signals a turning point in consumer behaviour that brands need to recognise.”
ChatGPT Leads the Pack
ChatGPT is the most widely used AI platform in the U.S., with 46% of consumers reporting use within the last six months. That usage rate far outpaces Google Gemini (23%), Meta AI on Facebook (19%), and Google’s AI Overviews (19%).
Notably, ChatGPT has also become the preferred tool for both product discovery (26%) and general information gathering (28%), narrowly edging out Google Search in both categories. This marks a significant shift in consumer behaviour, suggesting that conversational AI is beginning to replace traditional keyword search for certain use cases.
Still, ChatGPT hasn’t overtaken Google in every area. When it comes to finding local businesses, Google remains the go-to choice for 32% of users, compared to 22% for ChatGPT. In addition, Google continues to lead in perceived quality, with 48% of Americans rating it as the most trustworthy brand, while only 26% say the same about ChatGPT.
High Usage, Lower Trust
The study paints a complex picture of consumer attitudes toward AI. While adoption is high and growing, trust in the technology remains mixed. For example, 41% of respondents said AI has improved their web search experience, but Google still dominates in brand credibility and certain practical tasks.
As AI tools become more personalised and accessible, the way consumers gather information and make purchase decisions is evolving rapidly. The findings highlight the growing influence of AI platforms like ChatGPT, not just as novelties, but as preferred tools shaping the digital consumer journey.
