AI Search Usage Survey: Approximately 90% of Consumers Use AI Search, Nearly Half Utilize It 'Almost Daily'

Knowledge Holdings Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as 'the Company') conducted an independent survey on the usage of 'AI search' leveraging generative AI, targeting 307 internet users aged 10 to over 70 nationwide.

The results revealed that approximately 88% of respondents have experience using AI search, and among current users, 47.7% utilize AI search 'almost daily'. Furthermore, about 70% of respondents expect their future usage frequency to 'increase/slightly increase', underscoring that AI search is transcending a temporary trend and becoming a fixture in daily life.

Survey Overview

Survey Name: Survey on AI Search Usage

Target Audience: Men and women aged 10 to over 50 nationwide (smartphone/internet users)

Valid Responses: 307

Survey Period: May 2025

Survey Method: Internet questionnaire survey

Survey Organizer: Knowledge Holdings Inc.

Citation Conditions: When citing the contents of this survey, please clearly state 'According to Knowledge Holdings Inc. survey'.

Survey Results Summary

Approximately 88.0% of the total have experience using AI search. Only 12.1% responded 'never used' (Q1)

Among current users, 47.7% use it 'almost daily' and 35.2% use it 'several times a week'. Over 80% are daily users (Q2)

The most common use is 'information gathering and research' at 51.1%. Diverse uses such as comparison and writing are progressing (Q3)

66.8% predict their future usage frequency will 'increase/slightly increase'. Only 3.6% think it will 'decrease' (Q4)

AI users are characterized by being 'time-sensitive' (41.7%) and 'results-oriented' (26.1%)

Background of the Survey

With the spread of generative AI, led by ChatGPT, the way 'searching' on the internet has dramatically changed. There are signs of a shift from traditional keyword searches to 'AI search', which obtains answers through dialogue with AI.

On the other hand, the actual extent to which consumers use AI search and for what purposes is not sufficiently understood. The Company conducted an independent survey of consumer usage to verify the importance of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) measures in corporate marketing strategies.

Survey Results

1. AI Search Usage Experience: Already starting to blend into 'daily life'

When asked when they started using AI search (such as ChatGPT), 42.7% of respondents answered 'more than one year ago'. Including 'within six months to one year' (19.2%), over 60% of users adopted AI search relatively early.

Meanwhile, only 12.1% of respondents answered 'never used', highlighting that AI search has crossed the chasm and is widely penetrating among general consumers.

[Figure 1] Q1: When did you start using AI search (such as ChatGPT)? (n=307)

2. Usage Frequency: Heavy users, with nearly half utilizing it 'almost daily'

Among current AI search users (n=256), when asked about their frequency, 47.7% responded that they use it 'almost daily', reaching nearly half. Including those who use it 'several times a week' (35.2%), over 80% of users regularly use AI.

This data suggests that AI search is not merely a 'temporary trend' but is establishing itself as an infrastructure supporting daily life.

[Figure 2] Q2: How often do you currently use AI search? (n=256)

3. Main Uses of AI Search: From information gathering to creative support

The most common specific use was 'information gathering and research' (51.1%). The convenience of AI summarizing and presenting information, replacing traditional search engines, is highly supported.

This was followed by 'comparison and review of products/services' (19.3%), 'writing and summarizing texts' (10.4%), and 'idea generation and brainstorming support' (8.9%). It is characteristic that a certain percentage of users employ AI as a 'partner' to assist their own thinking.

[Figure 3] Q3: For what purposes have you used AI search?

4. Future Usage Prediction: Approximately 70% expect 'further increase'

When asked how their future AI search usage frequency would change, 66.8% predicted an increase, combining 'expect to increase' (35.2%) and 'expect to slightly increase' (31.6%). In contrast, only 4.2% responded 'expect to decrease', indicating that once consumers experience the convenience of AI, it is unlikely for them to revert to their previous lifestyle.