Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way we work, think, and interact with the world. And with this shift, new terms and classifications are emerging — sometimes faster than people can keep up with.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “AI Agent” thrown around when discussing tools like ChatGPT or DeepSeek. But does that mean these AI models are truly autonomous, decision-making entities? Are they “Agentic AI”?
If you’ve ever wondered whether large language models(LLMs) like ChatGPT are powerful digital assistants or something closer to self-governing, decision-making entities, you’re not alone.
Are these AI tools truly agentic, capable of independent action or are they simply sophisticated assistants responding to human input?
Understanding the difference isn’t just about semantics it’s about knowing what AI can actually do today and what the future might hold.
Let me break it down:
AI Agents vs Agentic AI: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, ChatGPT or DeepSeek might seem like powerful, autonomous AI systems. They can draft emails, summarize reports and even generate poetry. But does that mean they are independent, decision-making agents? Not quite.
AI Agents
ChatGPT is an AI Agent that operates within the confines of user prompts. It excels at processing language, generating responses and performing tasks based on specific input.
LLMs do not act on their own nor do they pursue goals beyond what they are programmed for. If you don’t ask, they don’t answer. Their intelligence is reactive not proactive.
Agentic AI
Agentic AI, on the other hand, takes things a step further. These systems are designed to act autonomously, make decisions and adapt dynamically without waiting for human prompts.
Think of AI that can plan, strategize and seek out information independently more like a digital executive assistant than a glorified autocomplete tool.
Think of an AI that not only answers your emails but also scans your calendar, anticipates your needs, and schedules meetings on your behalf. Or imagine an AI financial advisor that doesn’t just provide market insights when you ask but actively monitors trends and makes investment decisions for you based on evolving data. That’s the realm of Agentic AI.
The difference
Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are AI agents. Think of them as highly skilled, hyper-efficient research assistants. You provide input, they generate output — whether that’s an email draft, a programming suggestion, or an explanation of quantum physics (with varying degrees of accuracy, of course).
Current LLMs are not quite there yet. While they can simulate intelligence and reasoning, they lack long-term planning, self-directed learning, and the ability to seek out new data independently. They are powerful tools but they are not free-thinking entities.
Does this mean LLMs are limited or not useful? Far from it. AI like ChatGPT is revolutionizing how we work, learn, and communicate.
While they may not be fully agentic, they are powerful tools that can enhance productivity, automate tedious tasks, and support creative problem-solving
Why LLMs Are Not (Yet) Agentic AI
Despite their impressive capabilities, LLMs remain fundamentally assistive rather than autonomous. Here’s why:
- They Don’t Set Their Own Goals: ChatGPT and DeepSeek don’t wake up in the morning and decide to write an article or research a new topic. They wait for human instruction.
- They Lack Real-World Awareness: These models don’t interact with the world beyond the data they were trained on. They don’t browse the internet in real time, update their knowledge independently or seek out new information unless explicitly programmed to do so.
- They Don’t Make Decisions Beyond Their Programming: While they can assist in decision-making by providing insights, they do not independently weigh trade-offs or strategize in a meaningful way.
Why This Matters for the Future of Work
Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone navigating the AI-driven economy.
Many people fear AI will replace them but here’s the truth: AI assists more than it acts.
The biggest winners in this digital revolution will be those who learn how to leverage AI as a tool not fear it as a threat.
If you’re in marketing, AI won’t replace your creativity but it can help generate ideas and automate mundane tasks. If you’re in finance, AI won’t take your job but it can process data at speeds no human can match, giving you deeper insights.
From AI Agents to Agentic AI
Now that we’ve established that LLMs like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are AI agents but not Agentic AI, the next logical question is: Will they ever be?
The short answer? Probably. But not overnight.
AI is evolving rapidly and while today’s language models still rely on user prompts to function, researchers are already exploring ways to make them more autonomous.
The goal isn’t just smarter chatbots — it’s AI that can take initiative, learn beyond its training data and collaborate with humans in a truly meaningful way.
Imagine an AI that doesn’t just respond to your request for a project outline but also proactively researches the topic, organizes information, and suggests innovative angles.
Or an AI-powered career coach that doesn’t wait for you to ask questions but continuously tracks industry trends and nudges you toward new skills before your job even requires them. That’s the kind of agentic intelligence we’re moving toward.
But for now, we’re still in the co-pilot stage of AI, where these tools serve as assistants rather than independent decision-makers.