News, Trends, and Insights for IT & Managed Services Providers
News, Trends, and Insights for IT & Managed Services Providers

Study Shows AI Terminology Hurts Consumer Trust as Marketers Shift Focus to Product Benefits

Written by

Dave sobel, host of the business of tech podcast
Dave Sobel

Published on

August 13, 2024
Business of tech | study shows ai terminology hurts consumer trust as marketers shift focus to product benefits

A study from Washington State University finds that using “artificial intelligence” in product descriptions can decrease purchase intentions due to reduced emotional trust among consumers. This effect is more pronounced for high-risk products like electronics and medical devices. Marketers should focus on product features and benefits rather than AI terminology to enhance consumer trust and sales.

A Google Cloud survey reveals that 74% of companies using generative AI saw a return on investment within a year, with 86% reporting revenue increases. However, there is a disconnect between executives and employees regarding productivity gains, as 81% of executives expect increased output, while 65% of employees do not see this reflected in their work. Companies should involve employees in AI strategy and provide training to bridge this gap.

And some use cases?   Two for you.    Wendy’s is introducing AI-powered bilingual drive-thrus in 28 Florida and Ohio locations catering to high Spanish-speaking populations. Customers can switch to Spanish by saying “Spanish” or “Español” when ordering.

A generative AI tool has been successfully deployed aboard the International Space Station, marking the first documented use of such technology in space. Developed by Booz Allen Hamilton, the large language model (LLM) was uploaded to the Spaceborne Computer-2 and is designed to enhance data processing and problem-solving capabilities in space. The tool aims to assist astronauts in retrieving and interpreting information without relying on Earth-based internet, thus advancing mission-critical solutions in a constrained environment.

Why do we care?

Customers are not buying AI.   One doesn’t sell AI.  Instead, you sell business outcomes and you may use technologies like AI, or products that have AI built in.    Need better access to information, or real time translations?    Those are business needs that are solved by technology.    And investing in employees will deliver those outcomes.

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