As generative AI tools become embedded in advertising and marketing research workflows, questions about bias increasingly extend beyond outputs to the interaction itself. This study examines whether gendered patterns can enter AI through subtle differences in how prompts are phrased. By systematically varying linguistic styles using psychologically grounded traits, the research shows that implicit, style-based, gender cues shape AI prompt construction more strongly than explicit, gender labels, with important implications for how bias may propagate upstream in AI-assisted marketing and research applications.
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As generative AI tools increasingly influence product discovery and decision-making, subtle cues in user language can shape what consumers are shown—and how options are framed. This research examines how implicit and explicit gender signals affect AI-generated product recommendations, revealing systematic differences in categories, brand repetition, descriptive language and price information. The findings raise important questions for advertisers and researchers about bias, brand visibility and the growing cultural role of AI in shaping consumer norms.
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The ARF’s latest privacy study shows that U.S. consumers are more informed, more trusting and more engaged with artificial intelligence than ever before—yet still cautious about how it and other technologies use their data. Drawing on responses from more than 1,200 adults, the 2025 study reveals rising openness to data sharing when clear benefits exist, persistent skepticism toward certain targeting practices and growing expectations for transparency, especially around AI. For advertising researchers, the findings highlight a shifting privacy landscape where relevance, trust and first-party data strategies are increasingly intertwined.
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On October 8, 2025, representatives from three organizations – Dyanta (Council member Nicole Mitchell), Kantar (Valeria Piaggio), and the GLAAD Media Institute (Megan Bartley) -- presented research on the current state of consumer attitudes towards diversity and inclusion in the U.S., particularly with respect to advertising. Dynata's and Kantar’s presentations included trend data from 2023 and 2025, and Kantar’s included data from a neuroscience study. IPG and Mintel collaborated with GLAAD on their research. The speakers agreed that in spite of loud opposition to DEI, data shows a "silent majority" of consumers still supports inclusion efforts. The speakers also acknowledged a significant generational divide, with younger consumers being far more supportive of DEI initiatives. The presentations were followed by a discussion with Mitchell, Piaggio, and Carol Hayneworth of IPG, moderated by Cultural Effectiveness Council Young Pros Officer Danielle Zito.
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