
By now, you’ve probably come across the buzz surrounding DeepSeek, the new Chinese AI chatbot shaking up the global market. But beyond the headlines, it’s fascinating to reflect about why it’s gained such momentum—and behavioral science can give us some insights.
Let’s start with some numbers for context. When OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, it quickly hit 1 million users within just five days. By January 2023, two months later, ChatGPT reached 100 million monthly active users, earning the title of the fastest-growing consumer app at the time. Fast-forward to December 2024, and it reached 300 million weekly active users, positioning its dominance in the AI space (The Verge, 2024).
DeepSeek, launched on January 15, 2025, is already making an impact. In just two weeks, it racked up 2.6 million downloads and built a global user base of 5–6 million users. Even more impressively, it climbed to the #1 spot in the Apple App Store in 57 countries, temporarily outpacing ChatGPT in popularity (Seo.ai, 2025).
This rapid adoption might seem surprising, but it’s no coincidence. Behavioral science helps us to understand why certain innovations take off faster than others. Let’s break it down with three key principles that likely contributed to DeepSeek’s meteoric rise—and have driven ChatGPT’s sustained success as well.
1. Novelty Bias: Captivating with the New and Exciting
Humans are hardwired to seek out the novel and unfamiliar. When ChatGPT launched, it captivated audiences by showcasing the futuristic power of generative AI—an entirely new way of interacting with technology that felt almost magical.
Similarly, DeepSeek likely capitalized on novelty by offering a fresh approach to AI chatbots. Whether through distinct cultural adaptations, advanced features, or solving a problem that resonated with its target audience, DeepSeek positioned itself as a revolutionary alternative. Novelty isn’t just about being “new”—it’s about offering something that feels groundbreaking.
2. Social Proof: Everyone’s Talking About It
If it feels like everyone is talking about a product, we’re naturally inclined to pay attention. This phenomenon, known as social proof, was a cornerstone of ChatGPT’s early success. Viral social media posts, endorsements from tech influencers, and a surge of articles created the perception that ChatGPT was the must-have tool for productivity and creativity.
DeepSeek has likely followed a similar path. By onboarding influential users or targeting niche communities, it generated buzz that made it appear indispensable. When people see their peers—or even strangers—engaging with a product, it reinforces credibility and motivates them to try it too.
3. Fear of Missing Out: Don’t Get Left Behind
No one wants to feel like they’re falling behind, especially in fast-evolving spaces like AI. ChatGPT leveraged this brilliantly by framing its premium tiers, like GPT-4 access, as essential for staying ahead in creativity and efficiency.
DeepSeek is likely tapping into similar FOMO dynamics, positioning itself as a cutting-edge tool that users can’t afford to ignore. Whether it’s emphasizing productivity gains, competitive advantages, or the risks of being late to adopt, FOMO can be a powerful motivator for people to jump on board quickly.
So, What Can We Learn from This?
The rapid rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek isn’t just about innovative technology—it’s about understanding human behavior. Behavioral science provides the key to unlocking these insights, helping us design strategies that drive engagement, adoption, and loyalty.
At the Center for Behavioral Decisions, we specialize in translating these principles into actionable strategies for our clients. Whether it’s developing a launch campaign, optimizing user experience, or understanding your audience’s decision-making process, we can help you apply these insights to achieve measurable results.
Curious how behavioral science can elevate your business? Let’s start a conversation. After all, every great strategy starts with understanding the why.
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