US consumer perceptions of AI in retail and ecommerce

87% of people are likely to provide personal information to brands to save money

Americans fear AI and big corporations taking their data, but a new survey found that 87% are admittedly likely to provide personal information to brands to save money.

A poll of 2,000 US adults found 86% believe they know what AI is, but only 46% know what it does. This shows that more than half of Americans are unsure of the capabilities of AI. Over half (58%) trust AI, with Gen Z being the most trusting (67%). The least trusting was found to be baby boomers, at 29%.

They were comfortable letting AI auto-order household items when they ran low (36%), making reservations on their behalf (33%), and choosing their clothes for them (30%).

Meanwhile, tasks people said they would not trust AI with are their taxes (31%), driving (28%), and monitoring children (26%).

The study commissioned by UserTesting and conducted by OnePoll revealed that 70% are concerned about their privacy when they use artificial intelligence (AI) — top concerns being over not knowing what’s being done with their personal data (72%) and getting targeted ads (56%).
Millennials are the most concerned with AI privacy (72%), while Baby Boomers are the least (66%). Over half (55%) are concerned about big corporations having access to their personal information.

Yet privacy concerns don’t stop Millennials from sharing their personal information: 73% are willing to hand over their details, while Gen Z and Baby Boomers were the least likely to share (29%, equally).
Despite the concerns many have, respondents shared they would still be willing to share their birthdate (52%), their full name (45%), the name of their spouse or partner (44%), their email address (38%), the names of their children (36%) and even their social security number (34%).

“It’s quite interesting to see this dichotomy so many people have with AI,” said Lija Hogan, Principal, Experience Research Strategy, UserTesting. “So many seem to have a fear of AI or big corporations taking their data, but they’re willing to give it away if the deal is good enough. What this shows us is a core misunderstanding of what AI is and how it’s used. Many might think they know what it is, or they might be willing to give AI and companies access to certain personal information, but there’s still an overall concern about its capabilities and how it can benefit them.”

The study also revealed half of Americans currently use AI in some capacity in their daily life — usually engaging it through their computer (74%), phone (62%), or while shopping online (57%). And 72% believe AI can save them up to an hour in their daily routine.
Shoppers specifically stated they believed AI was being used in customer support (70%), estimating shipping costs (69%), and managing returns and exchanges (64%).

Two in three (65%) believe AI knows their shopping habits equal to or better than those closest to them. Likewise, 53% believe AI knows their shopping habits are equal to or better than themselves.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) believe AI improves the shopping experience — saving shoppers time (73%), offering them convenience while shopping (66%), and creating personalized experiences for them while shopping (62%).
And with Black Friday quickly approaching, the majority of shoppers (73%) plan to use AI to find the best deals for the busiest shopping day of the year.

“In many ways, it’s refreshing to see so many people already aware of how AI is incorporated into their shopping habits,” continued Hogan. “Still, the misconception of how AI is used is still prevalent. Making shopping easier with the use of AI means explaining to shoppers how AI can benefit their experience.”

Hear what respondents have to say. 

Top 10 tasks people in the US would trust with AI

• Auto-ordering things for me when I run low on something – 36%
• Making reservations for me – 33%
• Choosing my clothing – 30%
• Taking my food order at a restaurant – 27%
• Emailing/texting people for me – 24%
• Handling my finances or taxes – 21%
• Driving – 15%
• Monitoring the home – 13%
• Monitoring children – 12%
• Choosing what I should watch on TV – 8%

Top pieces of information people in the US would share for a good deal

• My birthdate – 52%
• My full name – 45%
• The name of my spouse or partner – 43%
• My email address – 38%
• The names of my children – 36%
• My social security number – 34%
• My credit card number – 31%
• My ID/driver’s license – 27%
• My allergies – 24%
• My style preferences – 22%

Infographic summary