Young Americans Complain ChatGPT Isn’t Delivering Profits as Expected

August 7, 2025 — New York

A growing number of young Americans are voicing frustration with the financial returns they expected from using ChatGPT. Once seen as a tool to unlock easy income through content creation, business automation, and side hustles, the AI chatbot is now facing backlash from users who say the hype hasn’t matched reality.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit are seeing a rise in complaints. Posts feature users claiming they invested hours learning prompts, launching AI-powered blogs, and experimenting with dropshipping—only to see little or no profit.

“I thought I’d be making passive income by now,” said 22-year-old Jake Thompson, who spent three months building an affiliate site using AI tools. “Instead, I’m just stuck in a loop of tweaking prompts and watching traffic trickle in.”

Analysts say the disillusionment stems not from the tool itself but from inflated expectations. “People assume AI will replace effort,” said tech strategist Dana Ellis. “But AI is a tool, not a business model.”

Despite the noise online, usage of ChatGPT remains high. OpenAI has not commented on the trend, but continues to promote responsible and creative applications of its technology.

For now, the dream of AI-fueled wealth remains just that—for many, a dream still waiting to pay off.