This episode offers a crucial re-evaluation of AI adoption, moving beyond hype to focus on real-world usage. It explores why current AI integration differs from past technology cycles and identifies the most popular AI tools and practical applications for businesses and consumers. Leverage eMarketer's "Building Blocks of AI" framework to understand user motivations and anticipate future AI trends.
In today’s podcast episode, we discuss why it’s important for people to think about AI adoption differently than we have in the past, which AI tools are most popular, and what our “Building Blocks of AI” framework tells us about how and why people use artificial intelligence. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Vice President of Insights Stephanie Paterik and Principal Analyst Nate Elliott. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube or Spotify. Report mentioned in this episode: https://content-na1.emarketer.com/how-people-use-ai-2026?_gl=1*1rkodrj*_gcl_au*NTU3MjIyODMuMTc4NDU3NDA2My40Nzk2MDY3MjkuMTc4NTQyNjI2OS4xNzg1NDI2MjcyLjEyNzc1ODM1Ni4xNzg1NDI2MjY5LjE3ODU0MjYyNzI.*_ga*OTE2NTYwMDAxLjE2ODk3OTEzNTc.*_ga_XXYLHB9SXG*czE3ODU4Njk3MDEkbzEzOCRnMSR0MTc4NTg3MTYxNSRqNjAkbDAkaDE1MzkwOTI0MDg Get more insights like these with our free, industry-leading newsletters covering advertising, marketing, and commerce. Sign up at emarketer.com/newsletters Purchase tickets and register for EMARKETER's The Future of Digital 2026 Summit here: https://www.emarketer.com/events/summit/2026-future-of-digital/?utm_source=events_page Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.comFor more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-ai-irl-how-people-really-use-behind-numbers © 2026 EMARKETER Awin is the all-in-one platform for smarter partner marketing. With award-winning technology, expert support and a global network of 1 million partners, Awin helps brands discover, manage and scale high-performing partnerships that drive measurable growth. Learn more.