Consumers to have AI clones by 2035: Dentsu study

Dentsu unveiled its groundbreaking global study, Consumer Vision 2035: The Era of the Insight-to-Foresight Pivot, which explores the long-term trends shaping the future of technology, culture, consumers, and brands leading up to 2035. Surveying 30,000 people across 26 countries, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of how major trends, including advancements in AI and the impacts of climate change, will redefine consumer behaviors over the next decade.

A key finding from the study reveals that by 2035, half of global consumers would like to have an AI clone to handle tasks such as shopping, administration, and communication on their behalf. This desire underscores the anticipated rise of ‘AI Gatekeepers,’ which consumers will rely on for managing recurring purchases, vetting ads and promotions, and participating in focus groups. These AI Gatekeepers will streamline consumer interactions with brands, ensuring their preferences are clearly communicated and met.

Additionally, the study indicates that 4 in 5 global consumers expect to modify their daily activities due to climate change by 2035. This prediction highlights the dual influence of technology and environmental factors in reshaping consumer lifestyles. As consumers adapt to these changes, brands will need to become more perceptive and responsive to maintain attention in an AI-filtered and culturally evolving marketplace.

Jeff Greenspoon, Global Practice President of Integrated Solutions at Dentsu, emphasized the urgency for brands to prepare for this transformation. He stated, "What is very clear from the findings of the Consumer Vision 2035 study is that we are only now just entering the next era of transformation across technology, culture, and consumer expectations. An AI-filtered world might seem far into the future, but it is already becoming a reality today. Consumers’ interactions with brands will fundamentally shift within the next 10 years. Business leaders and brand builders must start preparing for this new landscape today with both technology and creativity. These provocative insights are the starting point to guide people-centered transformation efforts that create long-term brand opportunities. Those that push the boundaries to innovate now will undoubtedly see the biggest impact through the next decade."

The study also highlights the emotional aspect of consumer behavior, with 7 in 10 consumers already indicating that their shopping decisions are significantly influenced by their mood at the time of purchase. Moreover, most consumers express a desire to be more impulsive and actively seek experiences that evoke strong emotions. This trend suggests that brands will need to anticipate and cater to the emotional states of consumers to succeed in the future.

Overall, Consumer Vision 2035 underscores the critical need for brands to pivot from merely understanding insights to developing foresights that anticipate and fulfill emerging consumer needs and preferences. The ability to foresee and adapt to these changes will be essential for businesses aiming to thrive in the rapidly evolving consumer landscape of the next decade.