Nature Survey on Postdocs’ Use of AI Chatbots

A Nature survey of more than 4,000 postdocs, conducted in June and July 2023, examined whether they use AI chatbots for work, how they use them, and what effects they report.

Use of AI Chatbots at Work

According to the survey, 31% of respondents used AI chatbots for work, while 67% did not.

What They Use Them For

Among respondents who used AI chatbots, the most common purpose was document editing.

  • Document editing: 63%
  • Coding work: 56%
  • Finding or summarizing references: 29%
  • Writing papers: 14%
  • Preparing presentation materials: 12%
  • Organizing experimental protocols: 8%

Frequency of Use

  • Daily: 17%
  • Weekly: 43%
  • Monthly: 23%
  • Less than once a month: 17%

Reported Effects on Work

Respondents reported changes in several areas of their work.

  • Paper writing: 31%
  • Data analysis: 22%
  • Keeping up with recent research materials: 17%