ChatGPT, the immensely popular chatbot developed by OpenAI, has seen a decrease in its user base for the first time, according to The Washington Post. Data from Similarweb, a data firm, shows that ChatGPT’s mobile and desktop traffic worldwide dropped by nearly 10 percent from May to June. Additionally, Sensor Tower reported a steady decline in the iPhone app downloads for ChatGPT since early June.
This decline in user numbers could indicate a decrease in consumer interest in chatbots and other AI tools, as tech companies continue to invest heavily in AI product development. The rapid growth of ChatGPT earlier this year set a record, attracting the fastest-growing user base in history. However, technology adoption rates have generally increased over time, suggesting that ChatGPT’s success may have been driven more by its novelty rather than widespread interest in chatbots.
Meta, the company behind Facebook, recently launched a Twitter rival called Threads. Despite concerns about its design and privacy, Threads surpassed ChatGPT’s record by reaching 70 million users in less than two days, compared to ChatGPT’s achievement of 100 million users in two months. Notably, Meta did not rely on flashy new AI features, unlike ChatGPT, which raises questions about the long-term viability of chatbots as a consumer tool.
It remains unclear whether a 10 percent decline in ChatGPT’s user base over a single summer month should be concerning for tech companies heavily invested in chatbot development. The Washington Post suggests various reasons for the drop-off, including potential decline in the chatbot’s quality due to increased costs incurred by its popularity, as well as OpenAI’s attempts to make adjustments to lower expenses. Additionally, the decrease in academic writing activity during the summer months may also contribute to the decline.
However, several factors may have negatively impacted ChatGPT’s user base. The chatbot has faced user drama, including a recent lawsuit, and companies like Apple have urged employees to avoid using similar tools due to privacy concerns. OpenAI has also responded to backlash and regulatory pressure by censoring harmful responses from ChatGPT, which could have led some users to perceive the tool as less useful, trustworthy, or enjoyable.
As of now, OpenAI has not provided any comment regarding the decrease in ChatGPT’s user base. The implications of this decline for tech companies heavily invested in chatbot development remain uncertain. Nevertheless, it is essential to examine the potential reasons behind the drop-off and ensure that chatbots continue to evolve to meet users’ expectations while addressing concerns of privacy and usefulness.
