Of those surveyed, 60% make frequent impulse purchases based on AI suggestions.

Artificial intelligence shopping tools are impacting consumers on an psychological level.

That’s according to a new survey from AI-powered SEO platform Chadix, which revealed that 70% of consumers feel “emotionally manipulated” by AI shopping assistants. The survey, conducted with 3,500 respondents across the United States, found that AI tools designed to enhance personalization are instead evoking emotions like guilt, FOMO (fear of missing out), and excitement to drive purchasing decisions.

Of those surveyed, 60% make frequent impulse purchases based on AI suggestions. The top emotional triggers that come from AI assistants include excitement (70%), FOMO (65%) and guilt (55%). 

Younger consumers (18-28 years old) are more likely to make guilt-driven purchases (65%), while millennials (29-44 years old) are primarily driven to make purchases by excitement (35%). Gen X shoppers (45-60 years old) showed some guilt susceptibility (35%), while baby boomers (61 years old and up) maintained skepticism about using the tools to shop (35%).

“Emotional commerce is reshaping the shopping experience,” said Danny Veiga, founder and AI technology strategist at Chadix. “AI shopping assistants have unlocked new ways to engage consumers, but this survey highlights the fine line between personalization and manipulation. Retailers need to tread carefully to maintain trust.”