Survey2026-09-22

SmartCustomer surveyed nearly 1,200 U.S. consumers on AI shopping habits. 76% used AI to make purchases in the past year. 89% do not fully trust AI recommendations. A third made a regrettable purchase based on AI advice. Half of bad purchases were electronics. Apparel and footwear accounted for 45% of the rest. 53% suspect companies release false info to influence AI. 98% say AI should validate sources and confirm company legitimacy. Men use AI for shopping more than women. Gen Z is most likely to never use AI for shopping. Baby boomers most want human review before AI purchases.

  • 89% do not fully trust AI recommendations
  • 76% used AI to make purchases in past year
  • 33% made a regrettable purchase based on AI
  • 53% suspect false or misleading info to influence AI

Send this to someone who needs it

Shares the story and its sources. Nothing about you.

What does this mean for your job?

This is the story as everyone gets it. Once a week we send you the version written for your role — what changed, why it matters for the work you actually do, and one thing to try. Free while we tune it.