Artificial intelligence has become a helper in everyday life. More and more applications, whether in Netflix, Google Maps or even in our office programs, help us to get through the day more efficiently and better. But the use of thinking machines also harbors risks and, of course, a great deal of mistrust. But what about trust in AI applications in Germany? Gehen wir optimistisch an die sich verändernde Welt heran oder siegt am Ende doch die German Angst?
The most obvious trust gap is generational, acting as a drag on AI technologies scaling to their full potential; 61% of Millennials are familiar with AI, with 57% of them trusting it versus 25% of Baby Boomers that are familiar with AI, with 30% of them trusting it.
In a recent study by OMD (formerly known as Optimum Media Direction) titled “The Retail Revolution: Magic is Easy, Utility is hard,” the agency, which is one of the largest in the world, asked how consumer behavior can be influenced by AI and how open customers are to artificial intelligence.
One finding is that the very nature of shopping has changed dramatically with the use of voice applications – such as Alexa, Google or Siri, visual search and connected devices. The Corona pandemic in particular has seen a huge increase not only in online commerce, but also in related applications that enhance the user experience and optimize purchase inspiration or fulfillment.
The majority of consumers surveyed by OPM globally feel that applied AI makes their lives tremendously easier. 62 percent extend this to their shopping and praise the possibilities. But in Germany, the picture is somewhat different. Here, the figure is around 40 percent and enthusiasm for the AI-supported shopping experience also looks somewhat different in this country.
As consumers become more tech savvy, and brands clamor to capture their attention and their data, it is crucial to listen to what they want, communicate with them in the right way, and explore new technologies which will drive brand messaging in the right way, at the right time, and for the right duration, to ensure commercial success.
However, appreciated as application areas for artificial intelligence is the use for security and health features and the recommendation of individual products.
Overall, it can be said that, according to the study, in our country we are somewhat more timid when it comes to the use of new technologies in everyday life and shopping, but we can no longer speak of a true fear of the future.
