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Since ChatGPT's release last November, generative AI has proven to be a capable technology that can help with a range of everyday tasks. However a new study shows that only members of a specific generation use generative AI to its full potential. 

On Thursday, Salesforce released its Generative AI Snapshot Research: The AI Divide, which surveyed more than 4,041 people 18 or older across the US, UK, Australia, and India regarding their AI usage. 

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The survey found that although half (49%) of overall respondents have used generative AI, the numbers differ greatly between different age groups.

Specifically, generative AI users are concentrated among younger users, with 65% of generative AI users being Millennials or Gen Z, people born between 1981 and 2012, according to the Pew Research Center. 

The Gen Z respondents were the most invested in generative AI, with 70% reporting using the technology and 58% saying generative AI helps them make informed decisions. 

"Gen Z is paving the path for generative AI. It saves time, keeps them organized, and is considered fun to use," says Salesforce.

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Gen Z and Millenials are generative AI's "super users," or users who use the technology frequently and believe that they are close to mastering it. Almost half (48%) of Gen Z believe they are on their way to mastering the technology. 

A person's employment status is another factor significantly impacting generative AI technology usage; 72% of generative AI users are employed. 

Unsurprisingly, 68% of non-users belong to the Gen X or Baby Boomer generations, those born between 1946 and 1980, according to the Pew Research Center.  

Some potential reasons for this lack of engagement are that most non-users (88%) are unclear on how generative AI will impact their lives. 

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A lack of education and safety concerns may also be behind the hesitation. Of the non-users, 70% reported using generative AI more if they knew more about the technology, and 64% would use it more if it was more secure. 

The research in this study aligns with other research covered by , which highlights the need for education and guidance on AI in making people comfortable with adopting the technology. 

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