CivicScience continually tracks current and anticipated consumer trends. Here are three key insights marketers should know this week:

1. Young adults have a more positive view of AI-powered platforms.

From chatbots to image generators, artificial intelligence (AI) apps and programs have become widespread over the last few months. The latest CivicScience polling shows that 40% of the Gen Pop have used AI-powered programs, with most users having experience with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. 

However, Americans are divided on the impact of AI. Middle-aged adults (35-54) are the most likely to anticipate AI advances will negatively affect their quality of life over the next 10 years. Whereas, adults under 35 are more likely to say it will positively impact their lives than any other age group.

2. Covid perceptions shift, three years later.

As the 3-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 shutdowns in the U.S. approaches on March 15, how have perceptions of the pandemic changed over the years? Back in June 2020, a majority of consumers anticipated the effects of the pandemic to last another four months (89%) – that percentage has dipped to 68% today. The percentage of Americans who expect it to last another two months saw corresponding growth since June 2020, standing at 24% today.

The origins of COVID-19 are also of importance to many Americans. Recent CivicScience polling showed that nearly half of U.S. adults say it’s ‘very important’ to know the definitive origins of COVID-19, and 44% believe the “lab leak” hypothesis to be accurate. 

3. Severe inflation concerns rose last week.

While concerns about the COVID-19 virus have waned, concerns about the economy have persisted. Currently, 37% of the Gen Pop polled say they are financially ‘worse off’ than before COVID-19, which is the highest percentage seen in over eight months, as well as more than the percentage of those ‘better off’ or ‘the same’ financially — details available in the full report. 

Inflation concerns are another sign that consumers may feel uneasy about the economy. Severe concerns rose above 60% last week for the first time since last June (+8 percentage points from the previous week).

Want to see more insights like these? Clients receive the full version of this report every week — let’s chat.