The Surprising Personal Ways We're Using AI in 2025

The landscape of artificial intelligence has transformed dramatically. What once seemed like science fiction—AI creating content from scratch—has quietly woven itself into our everyday lives in ways both surprising and profound. 

TLDR:

• AI for therapy and companionship ranks as the #1 use case, with users seeking emotional support and empathetic responses

• People are using AI as a thinking partner for deep personal questions, finding purpose, and boosting confidence
• Life organization applications include personalized schedules, health plans, and travel itineraries
• Enhanced learning through AI offers personalized education with "infinite patience" and judgment-free explanations
• Creative uses range from generating memes and jokes to suggesting recipes based on available ingredients
• Technical assistance for everyday problems empowers users to fix everything from audio settings to car parts

Mark Zell Sanders' 2025 Top 100 Gen AI Use Case Report offers a fascinating window into this evolution, not through hypothetical scenarios but by examining authentic online conversations about how real people are actually using these tools. 

The methodology itself speaks volumes—curating public discussions from platforms like Reddit provides insights that traditional surveys simply miss, capturing the genuine, unfiltered ways AI is being incorporated into daily routines.

What emerges from this deep dive is a remarkable shift away from purely technical applications toward deeply personal ones. "Therapy companionship" now ranks as the #1 use case, with people seeking emotional support, empathetic responses, and virtual companionship from AI. 

One user with a brain injury credited AI with "saving my sanity" by helping manage family interactions, brain fog, and memory problems. Others use AI as a thinking partner for self-reflection, exploring values, and navigating life paths—some even reporting tangible life changes like returning to education after these AI-facilitated introspections.

The practical applications are equally fascinating. Users create detailed life organization systems, personalized health plans, and custom travel itineraries. They leverage AI for judgment-free learning experiences, recipe suggestions based on available ingredients, and troubleshooting everything from audio settings to car repairs. Each example illustrates how generative AI is becoming less a specialized tool and more an integrated companion across multiple dimensions of human experience.

As you listen to these diverse examples, consider how the line between human assistance and AI support might continue to blur in your own life. What new possibilities—or challenges—might this present? We'd love to hear about your experiences with generative AI as this remarkable technology continues its rapid evolution.

Report: The 2025 Top-100 Gen AI Use Case Report.pdf 

Chapters

• 0:00 Gen AI's Evolution in Daily Life
• 2:08 Personal Wellbeing & AI Support
• 7:35 Life Organization & Productivity Tools
• 11:04 AI Enhancing Personal Learning
• 13:15 Creativity, Recreation & Technical Help
• 16:17 Reflecting on AI's Expanding Role

Transcript

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 0:09

Oh, absolutely.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 0:55

Okay.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 1:05

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 1:10

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 1:11

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 1:15

Which is smart?

AI Generated Speaker 1: 1:16

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 1:46

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 1:59

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 2:13

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 2:21

Number one.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 2:32

Like virtual companionship.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 2:34

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 2:41

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 2:44

How so.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 2:53

Right the isolation paradox.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 4:18

Like a thinking partner.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 4:41

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 4:46

Yeah.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 4:54

Whoa a direct life change.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 5:07

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 5:13

Number nine reach.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 5:14

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 5:34

That makes sense.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 5:35

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 5:39

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 5:43

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 5:48

Oh yeah, I saw that.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 5:50

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 5:55

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 6:01

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 6:07

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 6:14

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 6:42

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 6:50

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 6:56

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 7:08

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 7:12

That's quite vivid, isn't it?

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 7:22

It's heading into fascinating territory.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 7:40

Right the practical. Stuff.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 7:42

Exactly AI, helping manage the day to day.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 7:45

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 7:51

Yeah, reach nine. Usefulness eight Pretty significant.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 7:55

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 8:01

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 8:07

Oh, the hallucinating AI.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 8:24

Crucial point. We still need that critical thinking layer.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 8:27

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 8:55

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 9:11

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 9:16

Massive jump from rank 75 last year.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 9:18

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 9:21

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 9:24

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 9:29

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 9:46

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 9:54

That's pretty cool, very specific.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 10:09

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 10:16

Reach of six and high usefulness rank nine.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 10:19

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 10:33

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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?

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 11:11

So personalized learning, interactive content, instant feedback.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 11:52

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 11:59

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 12:05

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 12:19

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 12:37

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 13:01

Oh yeah, infinite patience.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 13:03

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 13:07

Yeah.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 13:07

A personalized tutor always ready.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 13:09

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 13:23

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 13:37

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 13:43

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 13:49

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 13:54

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 13:56

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 14:05

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 14:22

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 14:38

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 14:51

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 14:54

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 15:02

It really is.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 15:03

Yeah.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 15:03

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

AI Generated Speaker 1: 15:07

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

AI Generated Speaker 2: 15:12

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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?

AI Generated Speaker 2: 16:35

That's a good question.

AI Generated Speaker 1: 16:36

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

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated 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.

AI Generated Speaker 2: 16:56

It really is.