Understanding the Five Types of AI Users
While trust and security remain key concerns for many, early adopters are already defining the future of AI-driven interactions.
At a Glance
- 95% of companies are already leveraging generative AI, yet only 35% of US consumers report using it.
Early adopters prioritize productivity and problem-solving, while dabblers explore AI out of curiosity or entertainment.
Trust, privacy, and lack of familiarity are the primary barriers for nonusers—though many unknowingly interact with AI via chatbots and digital tools.
Elev8ive’s analysis identifies five distinct consumer segments, each with unique expectations and levels of engagement.
The Current AI Landscape
According to latest research, businesses have enthusiastically embraced generative AI, with 95% of US and European companies actively integrating it into their operations. Yet, among consumers, adoption remains cautious. Despite growing awareness, only 35% of US consumers say they use generative AI, though many are already engaging with it unknowingly.
Key barriers persist: concerns about data privacy, accuracy, and security, alongside a strong preference for personal control over tasks particularly among those who identify as nonusers.
businesses have enthusiastically embraced generative AI, with 95% of US and European companies actively integrating it into their operations
Segmenting AI Users for Strategic Insights
Latest research outlines five distinct AI consumer segments—from enthusiastic early adopters to complete rejectors. Understanding these segments is critical for businesses aiming to design AI-enhanced products and services that align with customer expectations and needs.
Enthusiasts and dabblers are at the forefront of AI usage, leveraging it to boost productivity, discover new information, and experiment with technology.
Enthusiasts, in particular, use AI as a problem-solving tool—navigating challenges with confidence—while dabblers view AI as an engaging way to explore and have fun.
Among both groups, research and writing assistance rank as the top use cases, demonstrating AI’s value in enhancing everyday tasks.
As with past technological shifts, early adopters are shaping the narrative and paving the way for mainstream acceptance. Our data reveals that enthusiasts are more likely to use wearable AI devices—including smart glasses, pendants, and rings—suggesting that we may be at the beginning of a new era in AI engagement. With 5% of US adults using AI wearables in late 2024, that figure could quadruple by the end of 2025, transforming how consumers interact with technology.
Bridging the Trust Gap
For nonusers, the primary obstacles remain trust and a preference for self-reliance (see Figure 4). Roughly half of respondents say they’ve never tried generative AI, and 18% who did eventually stopped. Among these lapsed users, many engaged initially out of curiosity but later lost interest; others discontinued use due to concerns over data privacy and a preference for human-driven solutions.
Interestingly, many consumers are already interacting with AI unknowingly—whether through digital assistants, customer service chatbots, content recommendations, or grammar suggestions. As businesses integrate natural language processing and AI-driven interactions into customer experiences, consumer attitudes could shift significantly.
How Elev8ive Helps Businesses Navigate the AI Landscape
At Elev8ive, we empower businesses to turn uncertainty into opportunity. By providing data-driven insights, market segmentation, and customized AI strategies, we help organizations design customer experiences that foster trust, enhance productivity, and drive growth.
Understanding the evolving consumer landscape isn’t just about tracking trends—it’s about preparing your business to thrive in an AI-accelerated world. Let Elev8ive be your partner in shaping the future of AI engagement.
