Only 3% pay for AI — why most people still think AI output is slop
lemonvrc · reddit · 2026-11-04
Citing Menlo Ventures' 2025 State of Consumer AI report, the author notes only 3% of people pay for AI services (ChatGPT Plus/Pro, Claude Pro/Max); 97% stick to free tiers.
- Free-tier output quality is why most people still equate AI with "slop"; they don't realize paid tiers can produce business- or research-grade output
- Pro users' perception has shifted noticeably in recent months, but public opinion lags
- Many don't realize recent open-source feats (PS5/Switch 2 architecture reconstruction, PC ports) were enabled by AI progress
- The author expects it will take a year or two for the public to update; meanwhile forums remain hostile to AI
The attached Menlo chart shows 61% of US adults use AI, 19% daily; Gen Z at 76%, Boomers at 45%.
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