Survey: 87% Use AI Search Summaries, 84% Shop with AI
▼ Summary
– 87% of U.S. adults read AI-generated summaries in search results, and 84% use AI in their shopping journey.
– Half of those who read AI summaries seek additional information elsewhere, while 34% stop at the summary alone.
– Common shopping uses of AI include answering product questions (46%), comparing products (35%), and getting recommendations (35%).
– The survey indicates that AI tools are reshaping consumer research and purchase decisions, making brand visibility in AI summaries essential.
– Marketers must adapt quickly, as AI adoption is mainstream among shoppers, but many brands are unprepared for this shift.
A striking majority of American consumers now actively incorporate artificial intelligence into their daily routines, particularly when searching for information and making purchasing decisions. Recent survey findings reveal that 87% of U.S. adults regularly read AI-generated summaries within search engine results, while an equally impressive 84% have turned to AI tools at some stage of their shopping journey. This data highlights a fundamental shift in how people gather information and evaluate products before buying.
Among those who engage with AI summaries during online searches, half indicate they read the automated overview but then seek out more details from other sources. Another 41% read the summary and proceed to click on one of the referenced links, while 34% are content to rely solely on the AI-provided synopsis without further investigation. This suggests that while AI summaries serve as a useful starting point, many users still value deeper exploration.
When it comes to shopping, consumers are applying AI in a variety of practical ways. Nearly half, 46%, use it to get answers to specific product questions. Roughly 35% employ AI to compare different products or brands, and the same percentage look to it for personalized recommendations. Additionally, 29% use AI to summarize customer reviews, and another 29% rely on it to identify the best available prices or promotional deals.
The widespread adoption of these tools signals a broader transformation in consumer behavior. Shoppers are increasingly turning to AI for efficiency, clarity, and convenience during the research phase of their buyer’s journey. For marketers, this means that brand visibility within AI-generated answers and summaries is no longer optional, it’s essential. These automated responses are where modern consumers are focusing their attention, making it critical for businesses to understand and adapt to this new reality.
As AI continues to go mainstream, brands must move quickly to align their digital strategies with these emerging consumer habits. While shoppers are rapidly embracing AI-assisted search and shopping, many companies are still in the early stages of optimizing for an AI-driven future. Those who fail to prepare risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive and technology-forward marketplace.
(Source: Search Engine Land)
