2024 Consumer Trends (2/3)

Inspire X
4 min readDec 26, 2023

🧐 Summary

2024 Consumer Trend 3. AI for All — Enhancing Technological Innovation for Everyone
2024 Consumer Trend 4. Empathetic AI — Strengthening the Connection Between Brands and Consumers Through Human-like AI

Did you enjoy the trends we wrote last week? This week, we’ve prepared two more trends, both about AI. We’ve been talking about AI throughout November, and it seems that the popularity and anticipation for generative AI will continue next year.

AI for All

Enhancing Technological Innovation for Everyone

Why? AI technology integrated into daily life

AI technology has quietly entered our lives. With the dazzling development of cloud computing and machine learning platforms, and the emergence of user-friendly AI tools, AI has become a technology that anyone can use easily. Language models like OpenAI’s GPT, for instance, have made our daily lives more convenient in various fields, including coding, writing, and technical support.

Therefore, education and training for AI utilization are important

To properly utilize AI, appropriate education and training are necessary. The increasing use of AI technology by non-experts is similar to past data democratization. The goal of data democratization was to enable all stakeholders to make decisions based on data. Similarly, the democratization of AI aims to make it possible for people without technical backgrounds to understand and use AI. Sharing knowledge and tools related to AI and helping people from diverse backgrounds participate in the development and utilization of AI technology is essential.

Ultimately, redefining and democratizing the creative process

With AI tools in everyone’s hands, the creative process is also changing. Now, anyone can easily participate in creative activities, which promotes diversity and innovation in creations. New realms of art, literature, and creation that reflect cultural diversity are opening up. As AI plays a more significant role in the creative process, the traditional concept of a ‘creator’ is evolving.

Impact on marketing and business

These changes offer new opportunities for companies. Each company must define its AI utilization creative process and produce effective results. This is crucial for meeting specific business needs and providing creative solutions using AI technology.

Empathetic AI

Strengthening the Connection Between Brands and Consumers Through Human-like AI

Why? Emotional deprivation in recent years

Due to economic recession and the pandemic, companies have switched to a conservation mode in their relationships with consumers. This led to dissatisfaction and feelings of neglect among consumers, widening the psychological distance between brands and consumers. The pandemic also extended not just the physical but also the emotional distance between people. In this context, the human-like evolution of AI has become a way to bridge these gaps.

Thus, AI is becoming more human-like

The humanization of AI includes understanding and reflecting individual identities and emotional states. For example, chatbots and virtual assistants now offer emotional support and personalized interactions beyond mere information provision, enhancing consumer experiences. Such AI can strengthen the relationship between consumers and brands by providing personalized advertising, customer service, and even emotional support. It is also expected to supplement human relationships in the socially distanced post-pandemic world.

Ultimately, a story like the movie “Her”?

From a corporate perspective, this is an opportunity to build deeper relationships with consumers at a lower cost. For users, it increases the possibility of accessing solid relationships that can alleviate emotional deprivation, even under various constraints. There has always been anticipation for human-like interactive AI, but no product has fully met these expectations yet, so there is both excitement and concern about developments in 2024.

Impact on marketing and business

This trend provides brands and companies with new opportunities to develop deeper and more sustained relationships with consumers. The introduction of human-like AI can enhance brand loyalty and customer satisfaction by understanding and meeting individual needs and preferences. This can lead to increased sales and help companies overcome economic downturns and gain a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, the development of such AI can create new forms of social interaction and potentially redefine the relationship between humans and technology in the long run.

What do you think of the 2024 trends we selected this week? Some might say, “AI again?” But AI is a prominent topic in major trend reports and has limitless prospects for the future, so it’s a field we should keep an eye on next year too. See you next week with other trends!

Questions from Inspire X

Please share your thoughts via comments!

Q1. Have you ever felt like you’re becoming familiar with generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney?

Q2. In today’s world, where AI tools and a bit of know-how can create just about anything, do we all need to become creators using AI tools?

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