Real people are using AI in ways that will surprise you.

The digital landscape has fundamentally shifted. Generative AI has moved beyond the realm of science fiction and corporate boardrooms into our most intimate spaces, reshaping how we approach not just productivity but our emotional well-being, personal growth, and daily routines.

TLDR:

• Examining how the report captures authentic AI adoption through analysis of public online conversations
• Discussing the shift from technical to personal uses, with emotional well-being applications rising to prominence
• Exploring "therapy companionship" as the top-ranked use case, providing empathetic responses and virtual friendship
• Highlighting how AI helps with self-reflection, finding purpose, and boosting confidence
• Analyzing practical applications for life organization, health management, and travel planning
• Investigating AI's impact on personalized learning and making complex topics accessible
• Looking at creative and recreational uses like generating memes, recipes, and troubleshooting everyday problems
• Considering how these evolving uses blur the lines between human help and AI assistance

Mark Zell Sanders' groundbreaking 2025 Top 100 Gen AI Use Case Report offers unprecedented insight into this transformation, capturing authentic usage patterns through analysis of public online conversations. Unlike hypothetical projections, this research reveals how real people are integrating AI into their lives in ways both surprising and profound.

The findings reveal a dramatic shift toward deeply personal applications. Topping the list is "therapy companionship," with users seeking emotional support and empathetic responses from AI. People report building confidence, finding purpose, and even processing trauma through AI-assisted reflection. One user with cognitive challenges poignantly shared that AI "saved my sanity," highlighting its emerging role as assistive technology for fundamental human needs.

Practical applications continue evolving as well. New categories like "organize my life" and "healthier living" demonstrate AI's expanding presence in daily management, while learning applications leverage AI's infinite patience and judgment-free environment to make complex topics accessible. From generating personalized travel itineraries to troubleshooting car problems, AI is becoming our digital Swiss Army knife for everyday challenges.

What does this transition from novelty to necessity mean for our relationship with technology? As the boundaries between human support and AI assistance blur further, how might these tools reshape our understanding of connection, learning, and personal development? Explore these questions with us as we examine the surprising ways generative AI is quietly weaving itself into the fabric of modern life.

Listen now to discover how AI's most impactful applications may not be what tech giants predicted, but rather what everyday users have organically discovered through their own ingenuity and needs.

Chapters

• 0:00 The Evolution of Generative AI
• 2:05 AI for Personal Well-being & Support
• 7:35 Life Organization & Productivity Trends
• 10:57 AI's Impact on Personal Learning
• 13:15 Creativity, Recreation & Technical Assistance
• 15:17 The Expanding Role of AI

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

It's wild to think that not long ago, the idea of AI actually creating something, writing an image felt like pure sci-fi.

Speaker 2: 0:09

Oh, absolutely.

Speaker 1: 0:10

But look around now. Generative AI is well. It's kind of quietly weaving itself into our daily routines in ways that are genuinely surprising, I think.

Speaker 2: 0:19

The pace has been just breathtaking, hasn't it? And that's exactly why this latest report is so, so valuable right now.

Speaker 1: 0:25

Right. So we've got Mark Zell Sanders' 2025 Top 100 Gen AI Use Case Report. It builds on his earlier work, but the key thing here, I feel, is that this isn't about you know, hypothetical AI or what tech giants think we're doing. No, it's grounded it dives into how real people are actually using Gen AI, like right now today.

Speaker 2: 0:46

And the method they use is fascinating too. Instead of say, traditional surveys, right the Al Sanders and the team, they curated public online conversations, especially from places like Reddit.

Speaker 1: 0:55

Okay.

Speaker 2: 0:56

So this expert guided look at real chats. It lets them pinpoint those authentic. You know everyday uses Things that other research methods might just completely miss.

Speaker 1: 1:05

Exactly. It's like listening in on the digital water cooler of AI. Adoption isn't it.

Speaker 2: 1:10

Yeah, that's a good way to put it.

Speaker 1: 1:11

Plus, because they've kept their research approach consistent over the years.

Speaker 2: 1:15

Which is smart?

Speaker 1: 1:16

We can actually see some really interesting shifts. How people are embracing these tools is clearly changing.

Speaker 2: 1:21

And that really brings us to the heart of this deep dive, doesn't it? We want to explore the most significant, the most well intriguing ways that people out there are integrating Gen AI into their lives, all based on what this report found.

Speaker 1: 1:37

And you know, one of the most striking trends that jumped out from the report is this move away from purely technical or work-related uses.

Speaker 2: 1:46

Yeah, the productivity stuff is still there, but it's broadening out.

Speaker 1: 1:49

Right. We're seeing a real surge in how people are using it for personal well-being, for getting their lives organized, even for tackling those big existential questions.

Speaker 2: 1:59

It really suggests AI is becoming much more personal, more deeply integrated than maybe we first thought.

Speaker 1: 2:05

Okay. So let's unpack this shift. Let's start with a category that really stood out personal well-being and support.

Speaker 2: 2:13

Yeah, this is where things get really interesting. I think Leading the pack rank number one is therapy companionship.

Speaker 1: 2:21

Number one.

Speaker 2: 2:21

Wow, yeah, and it's scored very high on reach, meaning lots of people are talking about it or using it. This way, it really highlights this growing desire for emotional support.

Speaker 1: 2:32

Like virtual companionship.

Speaker 2: 2:34

Exactly Virtual companionship, getting empathetic responses from AI. It's tapping into something fundamental.

Speaker 1: 2:41

It feels like there are kind of two sides to this coin, though, doesn't it?

Speaker 2: 2:44

How so.

Speaker 1: 2:44

Well, we saw one quote talking about maybe building an AI friend app, specifically because tech itself can sometimes make us feel more lonely.

Speaker 2: 2:53

Right the isolation paradox.

Speaker 1: 2:54

But then there's this much darker sort of unsettling prediction about people using AI to simulate loved ones they've lost, or maybe even rejected versions of people, which sounds well, potentially really damaging.

Speaker 2: 3:08

That contrast. It really underscores the incredibly complex emotional landscape we're stepping into here. Definitely, on one side you have someone mentioning these sort of low pressure therapy sessions. Just analyzing their mood with AI Could be a gentle entry point for some, maybe Possibly. But then you have this point for some maybe Possibly. But then you have this incredibly powerful story Someone with a brain injury who relies on AI daily for so much dealing with family shame, brain fog, memory problems, focus, even managing their diet. They said it saved my sanity.

Speaker 2: 3:41

That's profound it really is. So, beyond just novelty, ai is emerging as this crucial assistive tech, not just for work but for really basic human needs navigating cognitive issues, social isolation. It's a long way from just making funny pictures.

Speaker 1: 3:57

Yeah, that puts it into a completely different perspective. Okay, moving on within this theme, find purpose comes in at number three. Also, high reach. This seems to be about AI helping with self-reflection, figuring out values, exploring life paths.

Speaker 2: 4:10

Yeah, and what's fascinating here is how AI can act as a kind of sounding board, you know, for those really deep personal questions we all grapple with sometimes.

Speaker 1: 4:18

Like a thinking partner.

Speaker 2: 4:19

Sort of One user had this interesting idea Let AI handle their social media so they could have more time for the real world Reclaiming focus, basically.

Speaker 1: 4:28

That's an interesting angle and another user found it super helpful for, like, pinning down core values, setting life goals, just general introspection and decluttering the mind.

Speaker 2: 4:41

It's like having this tireless, maybe unbiased partner to help sort through your thoughts.

Speaker 1: 4:46

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 4:46

We even saw one person reporting they felt kinder, more patient, after using AI this way, and it actually led them to go back to school for cognitive science.

Speaker 1: 4:54

Whoa a direct life change.

Speaker 2: 4:56

A really tangible outcome, and another user mentioned breakthroughs with trauma, self-compassion. So it seems AI is touching lives in these unexpectedly deep ways, helping with self-discovery.

Speaker 1: 5:07

Okay, next up a new entry that really caught my attention boost confidence. Very high reach score here too.

Speaker 2: 5:13

Number nine reach.

Speaker 1: 5:14

This is about AI giving positive reinforcement, maybe personalized strategies to build self-esteem.

Speaker 2: 5:20

It feels like a natural follow-on from that general well-being focus doesn't it, yeah, it does. I mean think about having a tool that offers encouragement, helps you see your strengths. The report mentioned things like people feeling more confident at work, willing to take risks.

Speaker 1: 5:34

That makes sense.

Speaker 2: 5:35

Feeling kinder, less anxious, having more self-awareness.

Speaker 1: 5:39

It's almost like a personal coach and cheerleader combined, yeah.

Speaker 2: 5:43

And I liked the comment from the user who mentioned just the sense of having backup for problems.

Speaker 1: 5:48

Oh yeah, I saw that.

Speaker 2: 5:50

Just knowing you have something to turn to, some resource, that in itself can be a huge confidence booster.

Speaker 1: 5:55

Absolutely Okay. Another new entry in this area relationship advice. Reach of eight.

Speaker 2: 6:01

Right. Using AI for empathetic insights, maybe communication strategies for relationships.

Speaker 1: 6:07

This could be really interesting for navigating those tricky interpersonal dynamics. One user found it helpful for relationship anxiety.

Speaker 2: 6:14

Mm-hmm, so it brought them back to reality.

Speaker 1: 6:16

Okay, and then we saw that really specific, maybe surprising, example someone using AI to analyze custody trial transcripts for insights.

Speaker 2: 6:24

Yeah, pulling out patterns or themes perhaps. And then there was the example of someone outsourcing dealings with an abusive ex to AI. Wow, using it as a buffer, getting advice on how to respond. A powerful illustration of AI providing support in really difficult, sensitive situations.

Speaker 1: 6:42

Definitely Okay. Last one in this well-being group deep and meaningful conversations. Also new reach a six.

Speaker 2: 6:50

This focuses on AI facilitating reflective chat, asking probing questions, providing a safe space.

Speaker 1: 6:56

It taps into that basic human need for connection, for intellectual sparring, doesn't it?

Speaker 2: 7:01

Totally the user. Simulating philosophical debates with AI that sounds like a really engaging way to learn and explore complex ideas.

Speaker 1: 7:08

Yeah, and the analogy someone used talking to a library, but with different personalities. You can choose.

Speaker 2: 7:12

That's quite vivid, isn't it?

Speaker 1: 7:14

It paints AI as this huge knowledge source that can also engage personally and the person exploring consciousness, co-writing narratives with AI personas.

Speaker 2: 7:22

It's heading into fascinating territory.

Speaker 1: 7:24

Right. It suggests AI isn't just for finding answers, but maybe a partner for exploring really complex ideas, even our own inner worlds.

Speaker 2: 7:33

Indeed. Ok, let's pivot a bit. Let's look at another key area from the report Life organization and productivity.

Speaker 1: 7:40

Right the practical. Stuff.

Speaker 2: 7:42

Exactly AI, helping manage the day to day.

Speaker 1: 7:45

And a new entry here Organize my life. It shot right up there Very high reach, strong usefulness score too.

Speaker 2: 7:51

Yeah, reach nine. Usefulness eight Pretty significant.

Speaker 1: 7:55

And this covers everything right Personalized schedules, task management, goal setting, even like decluttering.

Speaker 2: 8:01

It's like aiming for that super efficient virtual PA, though that first quote was a good reality check.

Speaker 1: 8:07

Oh, the hallucinating AI.

Speaker 2: 8:09

Yeah, someone asked it to catalog their home library from a photo and it apparently just made stuff up, hallucinating fiercely. They said Right.

Speaker 1: 8:16

So for anyone unfamiliar, ai hallucinating basically means it's generating incorrect or just nonsensical information. It's not always accurate.

Speaker 2: 8:24

Crucial point. We still need that critical thinking layer.

Speaker 1: 8:27

Definitely. But beyond that, we see simple things like you know, making to-do lists, shopping lists, Very practical.

Speaker 2: 8:34

Mm-hmm, and then you get these more involved uses like that detailed prompt for a New Year's resolution. Expert advisor. Ah yes, the smart goals thing, exactly thing Exactly Guiding you through setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant time-bound goals, breaking them down, tracking progress.

Speaker 1: 8:55

That kind of tailored guidance could actually make a difference in sticking to resolutions, couldn't it?

Speaker 2: 8:59

You'd hope so, and the user who prompted an AI to create a personalized 2025 plan with actionable priorities. That really shows the potential for more focused, effective future planning.

Speaker 1: 9:11

Okay, moving on within organization. We have healthier living Now. This one made a huge jump.

Speaker 2: 9:16

Massive jump from rank 75 last year.

Speaker 1: 9:18

All the way up to number 10. This year reached four.

Speaker 2: 9:21

Yeah, it really signals a growing interest in using AI for health and fitness.

Speaker 1: 9:24

So this is about personalized nutrition plans, workout routines, general wellness tips.

Speaker 2: 9:29

We saw someone saying they completely replaced a traditional nutritional program with AI tracking weight loss, getting meal feedback.

Speaker 1: 9:36

Interesting, and the idea of plugging in your stats, your medical history, to get a full diet and exercise plan that shows real potential for personalization.

Speaker 2: 9:46

Very personalized and the user analyzing their barbell squat form using AI to extract keyframes from a video for feedback.

Speaker 1: 9:54

That's pretty cool, very specific.

Speaker 2: 9:56

And that detailed example someone shared, planning a 12-week cut focused on unprocessed foods, specific protein goals. It shows how AI can help create really granular health plans, like a virtual nutritionist and trainer on call.

Speaker 1: 10:09

Yeah, available 24-7. Okay, last one in this organization. Theme travel itinerary another new entry.

Speaker 2: 10:16

Reach of six and high usefulness rank nine.

Speaker 1: 10:19

Makes sense, getting personalized travel plans, optimized schedules. Who hasn't spent ages trying to plan the perfect trip?

Speaker 2: 10:24

Exactly the user who got a perfect itinerary with rustic stays and hitting gems. That really highlights AI's potential to find those unique, tailored experiences.

Speaker 1: 10:33

And that detailed, prompt example for a weekend trip planner. It covered activities, dining, even backup plans.

Speaker 2: 10:39

It takes a lot of the stress out potentially For sure, and the person planning a solo backpacking trip with very specific constraints. It just shows the versatility AI offers for crafting really personalized travel. It's becoming the modern travel agent, almost.

Speaker 1: 10:55

It really seems like it. Okay, now let's shift again. How is AI influencing learning outside of, you know, formal classrooms, more personal informal learning?

Speaker 2: 11:04

Yeah, this is a really interesting space. Enhanced learning is at number four. It's down a bit from last year but still has a high reach.

Speaker 1: 11:11

So personalized learning, interactive content, instant feedback.

Speaker 2: 11:15

Right, and that quote about students feeling safer asking AI dumb questions than asking a teacher. That's a really important point about creating a less intimidating learning zone.

Speaker 1: 11:25

Definitely reduces that fear of judgment and the ideas about edutainment like animated historical figures or simulating chats between Einstein and Newton.

Speaker 2: 11:34

That could make learning way more engaging, couldn't it Bring history or science to life? It caters to different styles, feeds curiosity in a way classrooms sometimes struggle to.

Speaker 1: 11:43

Someone mentioned never stopping with the but why questions? As a kid, ai must feel like the perfect companion for that kind of deep dive curiosity.

Speaker 2: 11:52

Absolutely Okay. Next, Simple explainers Number 14. Down a bit, but still very high reach and usefulness.

Speaker 1: 11:59

This is huge, I think AI breaking down complex stuff into simple terms, making knowledge accessible.

Speaker 2: 12:05

The example of asking AI to explain the evolution of the printing business like a four-year-old, perfect illustration.

Speaker 1: 12:12

Ah yeah, and the user who got AI to explain network diagrams to impress their boss. That's a direct professional win.

Speaker 2: 12:19

And using tools like Chat PDF to understand dense API documentation. Another great example of AI bridging that technical gap.

Speaker 1: 12:27

Making the complex understandable. Okay, last one in learning Personalized learning, rank 17, down from 9, but still high reach Tailoring experiences to individual needs.

Speaker 2: 12:37

The benefit for kids seems obvious asking unlimited questions, getting answers tailored to them, fostering that love of learning.

Speaker 1: 12:43

Yeah, and the ability to ask follow-ups, get explanations at different levels, like the explain, like I'm five approach makes tricky topics less scary.

Speaker 2: 12:51

And that practical example creating math quizzes in Excel with AI-generated code. Custom learning tools on demand, plus the sheer patience of AI tutors.

Speaker 1: 13:01

Oh yeah, infinite patience.

Speaker 2: 13:03

And constant availability, they're potentially invaluable learning companions.

Speaker 1: 13:07

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 13:07

A personalized tutor always ready.

Speaker 1: 13:09

Okay, let's move into something a bit lighter creativity and recreation, but the everyday applications.

Speaker 2: 13:15

Sounds good. Fun and nonsense is at number seven, down slightly, but still high reach and usefulness Jokes, memes, playful stuff.

Speaker 1: 13:23

The quote memes, memes and more memes pretty much sums it up right.

Speaker 2: 13:28

Captures the vibe and there was mention of demonic possession and an Instagram account for absurd fake history. It's just some pretty weird and wonderful humor generation.

Speaker 1: 13:37

The real stuff and generating personalized poems based on user info. That's a fun, creative personal touch.

Speaker 2: 13:43

Definitely Okay, next Cook with what you have. So it was up significantly in number 15. High reach, high usefulness.

Speaker 1: 13:49

This is a lifesaver, getting recipes based on what's actually in your fridge or pantry.

Speaker 2: 13:54

Anyone who's done the fridge stare knows the pain.

Speaker 1: 13:56

Totally the user, avoiding website ads by just asking AI directly for recipes with their ingredients. That's smart efficiency.

Speaker 2: 14:05

And getting suggestions for substitutions, different cooking methods really practical kitchen help.

Speaker 1: 14:15

Creating a dedicated pantry list for the AI or even a custom tool like Meal Master Chef shows users are really integrating it into their cooking routine, like a personal sous chef who knows your cupboards.

Speaker 2: 14:22

Exactly Okay, let's hit our final theme technical assistance and problem solving, but for everyone, not just tech wizards.

Speaker 1: 14:29

Right Everyday troubleshooting. Troubleshoot is number 16. Down from seven, but still high reach and usefulness, using AI to analyze issues and find solutions.

Speaker 2: 14:38

The tech support example fixing disjointed audio settings. Perfect case of AI guiding non-experts through common tech snags.

Speaker 1: 14:45

Yeah, and the person who changed their car's spark plugs and coil packs with AI guidance. That's really empowering.

Speaker 2: 14:51

Totally Saving cash, learning skills, all with AI help.

Speaker 1: 14:54

And the user troubleshooting their boiler or understanding car diagnostic codes, OBD codes. That's like having a virtual handyman.

Speaker 2: 15:02

It really is.

Speaker 1: 15:03

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 15:03

And that story about helping a dad fix a smartwatch just from a glory screenshot.

Speaker 1: 15:07

Incredible right Shows AI's ability to interpret even imperfect data.

Speaker 2: 15:12

It really demonstrates the potential for accessible tech support for all sorts of everyday problems.

Speaker 1: 15:17

So yeah, as we've gone through all these diverse examples, the overall trend seems clear. It's exactly what the report highlighted Gen AI is moving beyond just being a technical tool. It's becoming much more integrated into well, the personal, everyday parts of our lives.

Speaker 2: 15:31

Precisely. It's not just coding or report writing anymore. It's increasingly about our well-being, how we organize ourselves, how we learn, our creativity, even solving leaky taps, metaphorically speaking.

Speaker 1: 15:44

Exactly this 2025 Top 100 Gen AI Use Case Report really shines a light on this big shift in how people are actually using generative AI, Expanding way beyond those early productivity uses, becoming more central to personal growth organizations, general well-being.

Speaker 2: 16:01

And what's so striking is the sheer range, the ingenuity of these applications, many found just by listening to unfiltered conversations on places like Reddit.

Speaker 1: 16:11

It really shows how everyday users are finding surprisingly innovative ways to weave AI into their daily fabric. So maybe a final thought for everyone listening, as you've heard all these examples, maybe consider this how might these evolving uses of AI start to blur the lines even more between human help and AI assistance in your own life?

Speaker 2: 16:35

That's a good question.

Speaker 1: 16:36

What new possibilities, or maybe new challenges might that bring up for you personally?

Speaker 2: 16:40

It's definitely something to chew on. We'd encourage you to think about these examples, reflect on how you might already be using Gen AI, or maybe explore some of these new avenues yourself.

Speaker 1: 16:49

Yeah, absolutely, and we'd be really interested to hear your own experiences too. This whole field is changing so fast. It's an ongoing conversation.

Speaker 2: 16:56

It really is.