AI tools are everywhere these days, with millions of people trying them out—but a new study suggests most users aren’t convinced they’re worth paying for. Despite the hype, companies are struggling to turn free users into paying subscribers, even as the cost of running these advanced systems stays sky-high.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about whether your ChatGPT subscription is worth it—it’s a reality check for the entire AI industry. If people aren’t willing to open their wallets, the current gold rush in AI development might hit a wall. That could slow down innovation or force companies to rethink how they monetize these tools. For now, the gap between excitement and actual revenue is looking pretty wide.