Companies may unintentionally hurt their sales by including the words “artificial intelligence” when describing their offerings that use the technology, according to a study led by WSU researchers.

researchers conducted experimental surveys with more than 1,000 adults in the U.S. to evaluate the relationship between AI disclosure and consumer behavior

The findings consistently showed products described as using artificial intelligence were less popular

“When AI is mentioned, it tends to lower emotional trust, which in turn decreases purchase intentions,”

  • Hirom@beehaw.org
    21·
    5 months ago

    negative response to AI disclosure was even stronger for “high-risk” products and services, […] such as expensive electronics, medical devices or financial services. Because failure carries more potential risk, […] mentioning AI for these types of descriptions may make consumers more wary […]

    That sounds like a rational reaction.

    There’s a lot of hand waving when companies talk about AI safety. I would be more likely pay for a product with some AI if marketing promote its effectiveness without highlighting AI, than if they mentioned AI with vague assurance about safety.

    • cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
      18·
      5 months ago

      I would be more worried about that fact that the AI enabled device likely needs an internet connection to function. That means the manufacturer can take away features or brick the device whenever they want to.

      • Hirom@beehaw.org
        10·
        5 months ago

        That’s true. “AI-enabled” is usually a hint of over engineering and unnecessary collection of data.