OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been a subject of fascination since its launch, garnering a massive user base and setting off a wave of generative AI applications. However, recent data suggests a decline in its web traffic for the third consecutive month. This article delves into the factors that could be influencing this trend, the rise of competing AI services, and the public’s perception of ChatGPT’s impact on various industries.
The Numbers Speak
According to analytics firm Similarweb, ChatGPT’s monthly website visits declined by 3.2% to 1.43 billion in August, following approximately 10% drops in each of the previous two months. David F. Carr of Similarweb notes, “Students seeking homework help appears to be part of the story: the percentage of younger users of the website dropped over the summer and is now starting to bounce back.”
Interestingly, the amount of time visitors spent on the website has also been declining since March, from an average of 8.7 minutes to 7 minutes in August. However, the number of unique visitors worldwide ticked up slightly to 180.5 million users.
The Mobile Shift and New Competitors
OpenAI released the ChatGPT app for iOS in May and Android in July, which could be siphoning off some of the website’s traffic. The app is free to use but also offers a premium subscription for $20 a month. This move comes amid the rise of several ChatGPT competitors, including Google’s Bard, Anthropic’s Claude, and character.ai. These new entrants could be contributing to the dilution of ChatGPT’s web traffic.
Public Perception and Usage
A recent Pew Research report reveals that most Americans haven’t used ChatGPT, and only a small share thinks it will have a significant impact on their jobs. Among those who have heard of ChatGPT, 24% say they have ever used it. The usage varies widely by age and education, with younger adults and those with a college degree being more likely to have used the service.
The report also indicates that generative AI like ChatGPT may have its most significant impact on jobs that require a college education, such as software engineers, graphic designers, and journalists.
Regulatory Concerns
The emergence of ChatGPT has sparked conversations about government regulation of artificial intelligence. Two-thirds of those who have heard of ChatGPT express concern that the government will not go far enough in regulating chatbot use, according to the Pew Research report. This sentiment is shared across political lines, although more common among Democrats.
The Road Ahead
While the decline in web traffic may raise eyebrows, it’s essential to consider the broader context. The launch of mobile apps and the rise of competitors are natural progressions in the tech landscape. Moreover, the back-to-school season could potentially boost ChatGPT’s usage, especially among younger demographics.
As AI chatbots continue to evolve and find applications in various sectors, it will be intriguing to see how ChatGPT and its competitors adapt to changing user needs and regulatory landscapes.
