Gen Z turning to AI to help with holiday shopping

Millions of Americans are beginning to shop for holiday gifts and many are using the latest technology to find the perfect present.

Forget the outdated browse-and-buy strategy, young shoppers are using the help of artificial intelligence this year. A new Fiverr survey shows that 54% of Gen Z is using AI to assist with holiday shopping.

The tech can be used in several ways, according to Fiverr Spokesperson Laura Podesta.

“Some Gen Z-ers said that they plan to use ChatGPT to find the best prices,” said Podesta. “Some are using AI to search for gifts, perhaps, put in, ‘What can I get my aunt who’s age 50,’ and then they’re getting a list of ideas.”

ALSO| The rise of AI: The Wonder and Worry

When putting in the prompt, “Christmas gift ideas for my aunt who loves birds and knitting,” in ChatGPT, the results included a bird feeder, a luxury yarn, and online knitting classes.

Google also offers AI results for gift ideas.

Podesta said retailers think these features will capture the shopping habits of Gen Z.

“We know that 70% of businesses plan to invest in AI, 39% are upping their social media ads, and 35% are investing in influencer marketing strategies,” said Podesta, “So, they do believe they have a good hold on who their customer is and where their customer is, and they’re spending those ad dollars accordingly.”

Stores have expressed hoping AI can lead to higher sales.

43% of Gen Z-ers are planning to spend more this holiday season than they did last year.