We’re in the middle of the AI renaissance. Tools are launching faster than we can test them. Creatives are experimenting. Tech skeptics are questioning everything. And regular people are just trying to figure out what this all means.
So I did what I always do when I want to understand behavior: I turned to the search bar!
Using data from SEMrush, Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, and Reddit, I pulled together the most commonly searched questions and topics around AI in 2025. This isn’t a hype list. It’s a snapshot of what people are actually curious about — and what I think it says about where we’re headed.
“Help Me Use AI”: The Most Common Starting Point
Trending queries:
- “How to use AI” (6,600 monthly searches)
- “AI to help me write” (14,800 searches)
- “AI for photo editing” (Google Trends rising topic)
- “AI to make money” (featured in Reddit threads and ATP)
The most relatable entry point to AI isn’t philosophical, it’s functional. People want to know what AI can do for them. Can it make writing easier? Can it clean up messy transcripts? Can it help them build a business or side hustle? In my world, this is where AI lives most comfortably. I use it to plan & outline long blog posts, summarize dense research, and test content ideas. I don’t use it to write entire pieces or build final creative assets. It’s more like a digital assistant, one I still double check.
“Teach Me What This Even Is”: AI Basics Are Still Trending
Trending queries:
- “What is AI?” (90,500 monthly searches)
- “What is generative AI?” (18,100 searches)
- “How does AI work?” (9,900 searches)
- “What does AI stand for?” (9,900 searches)
Despite all the buzz, people are still Googling the fundamentals. And that’s important. AI is not one single thing. It’s a broad set of technologies designed to mimic or automate parts of human intelligence, from simple rules-based automation to advanced generative models that can write, draw, or design. The fact that these basic questions still top the charts shows that the industry is still evolving faster than most people can keep up. That gap matters. Especially for creators and marketers trying to use these tools responsibly.
“Make Me Something”: Creative AI Is Having Its Moment
Trending queries:
- “AI to draw” (growing in ATP and Reddit discussions)
- “AI to write stories” (appears across Google Trends and SEMrush)
- “Was this written by AI?” (6,600 searches)
Creatives are testing the waters, and so are their audiences. The rise of generative AI is pulling artists, writers, and designers into a new workflow. Some use it to generate first drafts. Some to remix visual ideas. Some use it purely for inspiration. I personally lean on AI for brainstorming. It’s great for testing visual styles or copy directions, but I never let it replace my hands-on creative work. When I publish a blog post or photograph a shoot, I want the process (and the imperfections) to be mine.
“Be Smart for Me”: Productivity Hacks Are the Gateway Drug
Trending queries:
- “Is AI ethical?”
- “Is this AI generated?” (6,600 monthly searches)
- “Who controls AI?” (ATP, Reddit)
- “Why is AI bad for the environment?” (featured in recent searches)
This is where it gets complicated, and necessary to dig in a bit. Once people get past the “what” and “how,” they start asking “should.” That shows up in questions about AI bias, misinformation, deepfakes, and surveillance. Even in creative circles, there’s growing concern about authorship and authenticity. I set pretty firm boundaries here. I don’t use AI in emotionally sensitive work. If I’m documenting something real [like a protest or personal story] I want that moment to be untouched. No shortcuts. No AI edits. Real stories deserve real presence.
Bonus Insight: The Quiet, Everyday Stuff That Doesn’t Show Up in Headlines
Trending queries:
- Using AI to plan trips
- Translate legal or medical paperwork
- Journal emotional thoughts
- Create simple bedtime stories
- Write therapy-style letters to self
What I found most surprising (but relatable!) in this research were the small, deeply personal ways people are using AI in daily life. They’re not trying to launch startups or create viral art. They’re using it like a utility. Like a smarter version of Google Docs or Notes. And I think that’s the future — not just “big, bold disruption” but quiet integrations that improve everyday flow.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t going anywhere. But the most common searches in 2025 show us that people aren’t looking for revolution. They’re looking for clarity. They want tools that make life easier, work faster, and ideas more possible. And they want to understand where it’s all heading. For me, AI isn’t replacing creativity. It’s just reshaping the edges of my process. I use it to think out loud, test directions, and stay curious. If you’re still figuring out where it fits in your life, start with the questions people are already asking. They’re honest, practical, and way more helpful than the headlines.
Warm regards,
Lexi
Resources & Further Reading
If you want to go deeper on AI, search behavior, or the real-world impact of these tools, here are a few standout resources from some of the most credible names in tech, marketing, and journalism:
- Google’s AI Search Trends 2025 – A beautifully interactive and insightful breakdown of how AI searches are evolving on Google.
- SEMrush Keyword Overview: If you’re into SEO, this is a great place to see what people are searching right now.
- AnswerThePublic: A visual, category-based look at what people ask about for different topics. Really helpful for content creators and strategists.
- Reddit r/Artificial – Surprisingly grounded conversations about everyday AI usage, ethical debates, and tool recommendations.
- HubSpot’s State of AI in Marketing – A marketer-focused breakdown of how AI is showing up in content, SEO, and customer experience.
- OpenAI’s Blog – For insights directly from the people behind GPT models and DALL·E.
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