AI's Emotional Turn: Therapy Tops the List of Generative AI Uses

Generative AI Use Shifts to Emotional Applications: Harvard Business Review Data Reveals Surprising Trend A recent Harvard Business Review analysis reveals a significant shift in how people are using generative AI. In 2024, generating ideas was the top use case. However, by 2025, this has changed dramatically. Therapy and companionship now lead the way, indicating a growing reliance on AI for emotional support and personal development. "What's surprising is that organizing my life and finding purpose are now among the top 10 uses," says Natalie Chopra, the video's creator and AI expert. This suggests a broader application of AI beyond its initial technical uses. Other notable shifts include enhanced learning moving up from number 8 to number 4 in the rankings. This trend highlights the increasing integration of AI into various aspects of daily life, moving beyond simple task automation to address more complex human needs. The future of AI seems to be more about personal growth and emotional well-being than just technical problem-solving.