AI Is Boosting Productivity at Home – But Not Equally (www.marshall.usc.edu)

A new study co-authored by Miao “Ben” Zhang from USC Marshall reveals that generative AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, is significantly boosting productivity in home settings, with users completing digital tasks 76% to 176% more efficiently than non-users. This research, based on internet browsing data from over 200,000 U.S. households between 2021 and 2024, highlights the distinction that, unlike workplace environments where professionals are trained, home users benefit from the streamlined capabilities of AI, allowing them to consolidate various online tasks into simpler interactions. However, the productivity gains come at a cost—the newfound efficiency often shifts focus from skill development to leisure activities. Significantly, the study notes a widening digital divide, as younger and wealthier Americans are quicker to adopt AI tools compared to older and lower-income populations. This leads to concerns that those who could benefit the most from AI assistance are lagging behind in adoption, thus potentially missing out on greater economic opportunities in areas like job searching and financial planning. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance digital literacy and access, as current discussions about AI's economic implications largely overlook the productivity gains occurring outside conventional labor markets.