Copyright forbes
Quora for Business Quora for Business AI systems have never been more capable—or more widely used. Now, new research from OpenAI and Anthropic sheds light on how people are actually using AI in their day-to-day lives. According to the Anthropic Economic Index, people commonly use AI for tasks that are structured and predictable: generating text, creating images, summarizing content, or offering step-by-step “how-to” instructions. These are jobs with clear inputs and clear outputs, where pattern recognition and repetition thrive. But the same report reveals a striking gap: when choices involve nuance, emotion, or risk, AI’s role shrinks dramatically. Only 2.1% of people turn to AI when researching purchases, and even fewer rely on it for relationships or personal reflection. In those moments, people still want the perspective of other people—someone who’s been there and can add context. Image Source: OpenAI People use AI as a starting point, not a source of truth. It’s where they go to explore an idea, get a quick explanation, or generate a first draft, but they still turn to humans before they decide or buy. As information becomes abundant, authenticity becomes scarce, and the value of human insight grows. Quora for Business Quora for Business MORE FOR YOU Why this matters for brands This behavioral gap between AI and human insight creates a unique opportunity for brands. As people increasingly rely on AI for efficiency but turn to humans for trust and judgment, there’s a premium on authentic content and real-world expertise. Brands that show up where people seek human perspective can position themselves as reliable, credible sources at the moment decisions are being made. Real answers vs. AI summaries: Why human depth drives conversion Decision-makers follow a predictable pattern: they use AI for rapid information gathering, then seek human perspectives for validation before acting. On Quora, those validation moments come from peers through active engagement on specific questions, comment threads, and follow up questions. Quora's own user data reinforces this preference: 64% of Quora users prefer in-depth human perspectives over AI summaries¹ 62% actively seek expert answers in their feed¹ 54% value practical advice rooted in actual experience¹ These moments of human validation matter most when stakes are high. Someone switching careers needs more than AI-generated interview tips; they need to hear from someone who actually made that transition. A founder evaluating CRM systems needs recommendations from peers who discovered hidden costs or integration issues and parents researching schools seek firsthand admissions experiences. The value is the deeper context and reassurance from someone who's been there. Quora for Business Quora for Business This human-first content also performs well in AI-powered discovery. Quora appears in over 7% of Google AI Mode responses and is the top-cited domain in AI Overviews. In a Semrush report analyzing 278,000 prompts and 26,000 Quora URLs, cited questions averaged 37 replies and 15 upvotes², reflecting strong community validation and the depth of discussion that both users and AI systems trust. The impact for brands showing up in these environments is measurable: users arriving from AI-driven searches convert at 4.4x the rate of traditional organic visitors.³ Quora for Business Quora for Business By participating in these conversations, brands can position themselves alongside trusted voices and influence decisions at the moment they matter most. This creates a powerful feedback loop where human knowledge and AI capabilities reinforce each other. As more people contribute authentic insights on platforms like Quora, AI systems become better at surfacing relevant human perspectives, which in turn drives more engagement and trust. Quora for Business Quora for Business Engage where decisions are being made AI search is changing how people discover information, and Quora is where users go to validate and deepen their understanding. Your potential customers are on the platform asking questions, comparing solutions, and seeking peer insights. Early movers will help build trust and shape the conversation. Increase your AI Search visibility with our 5-step action plan. ¹ Quora user survey ² We Analyzed 26K Quora URLs Cited in Google AI Mode: Here’s What Works ³ We Studied the Impact of AI Search on SEO Traffic. Here’s What We Learned Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
