Google Report: AI is widely used but not deeply, mostly as an assistant

Google's chief economist Fabien Curto Millet released the ATLAS report, based on analysis of 15 million Google AI interactions across 150+ countries, 140 languages, and 800 occupations. The report says 68% of occupations have started using AI, but AI is only used in about 20% of tasks in those jobs.

AI usage is characterized as "wide but shallow," mostly serving as an assistant. Workplace AI interactions focus on collaboration like brainstorming, research, and learning, with fully automated tasks under 10%. Non-routine cognitive work, like analysis and creative design, makes up 65% of workplace AI interactions, much higher than their 35% share in the overall economy.

Over 86% of AI interactions happen outside work, mainly for household management, shopping, and government services. Google says AI is more of a helper than a replacement, with humans still leading most tasks.