Large language models (LLMs) and generative artificial intelligence (AI) continue to ride the airwaves. Disruptors like China’s DeepSeek are reshaping the landscape, challenging the notion that only giant tech companies with vast resources can develop leading AI tech.
Now, over two years after the world discovered tools like ChatGPT, what is the state of AI adoption in early 2025? To find out, we recently surveyed over 800 tech workers nationwide about their AI use and expectations. Our 2025 poll updates our prior September 2024 research analyzing AI in tech. Here are a few of the most notable trends we’ve uncovered:
47% of tech workers say AI search will replace Google
With ChatGPT, Copilot, and newcomer DeepSeek incorporating search into their core functions, AI search is gaining in popularity. When asked which application of AI would be the first to achieve universal buy-in among consumers, AI Search was the most popular with 22% of the vote. 47% of tech workers believe that AI search will replace Google’s current model of search algorithm.
DeepSeek is a threat to US AI, according to 45% of tech workers
China revealed the GenAI platform DeepSeek in 2025. Stocks plunged when creators claimed to have spent under $6 million to build the tech. (By comparison, OpenAI spent over $100 million on ChatGPT). The company says a profit margin of over 500% would be possible, were they to monetize all operations.
Is DeepSeek a threat? Considering how the GenAI tech ranks as the fourth most popular AI platform among tech workers, the answer could be "yes." DeepSeek captured 14% of the user base, trailing only behind ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini.
Despite the platform's popularity, DeepSeek sparks concerns over data privacy among users. 44% of tech workers said they had a problem using an AI platform made in China, and 76% consider data privacy issues as they choose platforms to work with.
Tech workers and consumers are increasingly buying into AI
Among those we surveyed, increased AI buy-in in the tech industry is prevalent. When polled on how often they use AI compared to six months ago, 40% of tech workers reported using AI "a lot more." 39% said they are using the tech "a little more." Similarly, 68% of tech workers noted that their family and friends use AI more frequently.
The most popular LLM AI platforms for tech workers
While ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot remain the "big three" of AI engines, the field has diversified since September 2024’s first survey. Tech workers use alternative platforms more regularly, with Gemini posting an 8% increase as well as Claude. DeepSeek saw a 14% increase in use among tech workers.
How long will universal buy-in of AI take?
Tech workers believe the universal buy-in of AI will occur in under five years. 22% voted it would take 0 to 2 years to achieve buy-in in the tech industry, and 46% said it would take 2 to 5 years.
The general population is a little less optimistic. 10% of the Gen Pop predicted universal buy-in will take 0 to 2 years, followed by 33% for 2 to 5 years, and 36% for 5 to 10 years.
What AI application will achieve universal buy-in first? On this issue, tech workers are split. The thin majority (22%), believe AI search will be the first to see universal buy-in. A further 19% think AI applications for research and analysis will achieve buy-in first, followed by writing and/or content creation at 18%. Of tech workers polled, 16% think "helper" apps that speed up human-driven work will be the first to reach universal buy-in.
AI buy-in on the rise among employers
Compared to September, 10% more tech employees said their employers have a strong leadership commitment towards AI initiatives. There was a similar increase in employees who reported their companies incorporate AI into broader business goals: 13% more tech workers said their companies invest in continuous learning programs for AI proficiency.
Top industries most affected by AI
We also asked tech workers to predict the industries that will be most and least affected by AI. Here are the industries they named:
Top industries helped by AI:
- Data engineering & analytics (45%)
- Software development (32%)
- Product management (8%)
- Finance and Ops (6%)
- UI/UX design (5%)
Top industries likely to lose jobs to AI:
- Data engineering & analytics (33%)
- Software development (29%)
- UI/UX design (12%)
- Product management (12%)
- Finance and Ops (11%)
25% of tech workers worry they’ll lose their jobs to AI — soon
In our 2024 survey, only about 17% of tech workers were worried about their jobs. In 2025, this number has increased to 25%. Additionally, 12% more tech workers now believe their employers will replace jobs with AI (50% compared to 38% in 2024).
AI is developing fast and not everyone is keeping up
The constant stream of new AI apps and uses is dizzying — even for those who work in tech. 58% of IT professionals feel that AI is developing too quickly to keep up (compared to 47% in 2024) and spend an average of 3.6 hours per week trying to remain abreast of updates. This is an increase from 2024 when tech workers spent 2.4 hours weekly learning about AI.
What's next for AI and the tech landscape? Stay tuned — we’ll continue to poll tech workers to see what they care about and where we can help employers leverage the best tech talent to tackle these new horizons.
Methodology
In February 2025, we surveyed 804 self-described tech workers on their AI adoption and opinions. Ages ranged from 18 to 75 with an average age of 40. 50% were men, 49% women, and 1% were nonbinary or chose not to disclose.
