AI is advancing at a breakneck pace – even faster than the early days of the Internet – and this rapid growth is reshaping how we interact with technology worldwide. But here's where it gets controversial: exactly how much AI has permeated our daily lives remains a hot topic. The Financial Times (FT) dug into this question, gathering data and interviewing executives behind some of the most popular AI tools consumers use today. While many of their insights confirm what we might expect, there are also surprising details about how quickly adoption is growing and how usage habits are evolving. Spoiler alert: AI adoption is outstripping the Internet's early growth speed by a significant margin, something that was hard to imagine even in the early 2000s when the Internet first exploded onto the scene.
To put this into perspective, OpenAI reports that roughly one out of every ten people around the globe has already used ChatGPT in some form. This remarkable surge—from zero users to nearly 800 million in only three years—is unprecedented. By comparison, it took the Internet over a decade, about 13 years, to reach a similar level of penetration. Sure, AI chatbots benefit from existing internet infrastructure, which gave them a head start. However, the fact that the growth rate is more than four times that of the early Internet is still stunning and might indicate a fundamental shift in technology adoption patterns.
Another eye-opening trend uncovered by the FT is the rise of what’s being called 'shadow AI'—instances where employees use AI tools without their company's official knowledge or permission. Research from MIT suggests a key reason for this stealthy usage is that many companies struggle to officially roll out AI initiatives. These projects often get stuck in pilot phases due to organizational hurdles or skepticism about AI’s actual productivity benefits. Meanwhile, industries like media and technology are already experiencing major upheavals thanks to AI, something clearly visible in the sweeping layoffs hitting major tech giants like the FAANG companies.
This evolving picture of AI’s impact and adoption raises some important questions: Are companies prepared to embrace AI fully, or will shadow AI continue to flourish under the radar? Can AI truly deliver the productivity gains it promises, or is the hype overshadowing the reality? And what does this rapid adoption mean for our future workforce and technology landscape? These are points worth debating, so feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Bruno Ferreira, who contributes regularly to Tom's Hardware, brings decades of expertise in PC hardware and software development to his writing. His passion for detail and deep knowledge often shine through his articles. When he’s not dissecting tech, you’ll likely find him immersed in gaming or enjoying live music at shows and festivals.
