From Tasks to Therapy: 2025 Marks Shift in How People Use Generative AI

Generative artificial intelligence, popularly known as generative AI, is a technology in which a bot can produce human-like conversations, images, and other content. It can learn from the human it is talking to.

Since its emergence, the public has learned to use it for research, answering confusing questions, solving coding problems, and generating content for daily life.

It is indeed life-changing—affecting various aspects of everyday life.

However, 2025 marks a new era in AI usage. According to crypto analyst and AI enthusiast Miles Deutscher, the biggest change in AI so far this year is the shift from technical to emotional applications.

This year, AI has been used more for personal support than technical assistance, according to data Deutscher shared.

“I’ve also found this greatly beneficial in my own life (whether it be for managing my to-do list, helping me write, tweak my fitness routine/diet etc).”

Miles Deutscher, Crypto Analyst and AI Enthusiast

Comparison of Top 10 AI Use Cases in 2024 and 2025

Here is the list of top 10 generative AI use case in 2024:

Top 1: Generating Ideas
Top 2: Therapy/Companionship
Top 3: Specific Search
Top 4: Editing Text
Top 5: Exploring Topics Of Interest
Top 6: Fun and Nonsense
Top 7: Troubleshooting
Top 8: Enhanced Learning
Top 9: Personalized Learning
Top 10: General Advice

Here is the list of top 10 generative AI use case in 2025:

Top 1: Therapy/Companionship
Top 2: Organizing My Life
Top 3: Finding Purpose
Top 4: Enhanced Learning
Top 5: Generating Code (For Professionals)
Top 6: Generating Ideas
Top 7: Fun and Nonsense
Top 8: Improving Code (For Professionals)
Top 9: Creativity
Top 10: Healthier Living

Top Trends Observed

A clear shift from content creation to emotional support is evident between 2024 and 2025.

In fact, the top use case in 2024—generating ideas—dropped to sixth place in 2025.

Moreover, the top two use cases in 2025—organizing my life and finding purpose—were not in the top 10 in 2024. This shows that AI tools are now being used more for companionship and deeper personal needs than for basic technical skills.

Out of the top 10 use cases in 2024, which focused more on technical assistance, six have significantly dropped in 2025. These include:

Specific Search (From third in 2024 to top 13 in 2025)
Editing Text (From fourth in 2024 to top 45 in 2025)
Exploring Topics Of Interest (From fifth in 2024 to top 47 in 2025)
Troubleshooting (From seventh in 2024 to top 16 in 2025)
Personalized Learning (From ninth in 2024 to top 27 in 2025)
General Advice (From tenth in 2024 to top 75 in 2025)

While the 2024 use cases of generative AI focused on reducing stress in daily tasks, the 2025 list reflects a growing demand for tools that boost productivity and promote mental well-being.

Imagine a crypto trader feeling overwhelmed by the roller coaster performance of the market, with no one to talk to about their frustration. They may fear judgment if they open up to fellow traders. In such cases, they can turn to AI chatbots for emotional support and confidence.

Thus, there is a clear shift from seeking technical assistance to seeking holistic support that can foster personal growth and development.