Targets & Segments

Learn How to Train LLMs to Identify Implicit Consumer Needs

This study explores the potential of large language models (LLMs) to revolutionize marketing research. By partnering with a Fortune 500 food company, the authors replicated qualitative and quantitative studies using GPT-4. The findings indicate that LLMs can effectively generate synthetic respondents, moderate in-depth interviews and perform data analysis tasks, matching or even surpassing human performance in certain aspects. The study highlights the benefits of a Human-LLM hybrid approach, where LLMs assist in various stages of the research process, from study design to data analysis. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also uncovers new insights that might be overlooked by human researchers alone.

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Learn the Effects of a Using a Dialect in Text Ads on Advertisement Recall

  • JOURNAL OF ADVERTISING RESEARCH

This study explores how dialect wording in advertisements can enhance consumer recall and deepen brand connections. By examining six studies conducted in China, the research demonstrates that dialect advertisements evoke a stronger feeling of groundedness, leading to better recall compared to standard Mandarin ads. The findings are supported by both adjusted recognition scores and eye-tracking data. The study also identifies boundary conditions such as bicultural identity integration, traveler versus settler orientation, and brand characteristics (warm versus competent) that influence the effectiveness of dialect advertising. These insights provide valuable guidance for marketers in choosing the appropriate advertising language to enhance consumer engagement and memory.

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The Impact of Live Streaming on Digital Engagement and Monetization

Live streaming creators rely on paying viewers, but not all subscriptions are used in the same way. When viewers subscribe for themselves, the community tends to engage more through commenting, reflecting greater commitment. In contrast, gift subscriptions from other viewers lead to increased tipping within the community.  Additionally, viewers tend to gift more than subscribe in response longer, happier, faster speaking and louder content. The findings suggest that live streaming can be a considerably lucrative avenue for content creators. It also examines the effectiveness of different performance quality strategies and their influence on customer-to-customer subscriptions (C2CSubs) and tips, providing valuable insights for marketers and digital strategists.

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How the Deliberate Use of Slurs Impacts Prosocial Advertising

  • JOURNAL OF ADVERTISING RESEARCH

When a slur is used, people hear it. Usually, it is either morally wrong or used in a negative way. However, certain nonprofit organizations have turned these words into tools to grab attention in provocative prosocial advertising campaigns. This study examines how such sexist and homophobic slurs can influence consumer engagement and cognitive elaboration. The findings suggest that advertisements containing offensive language can increase the perceived importance of the issue and motivate individuals to seek help or register for training sessions. However, the effectiveness of such advertisements depends on the audience's prior exposure to sexism or homophobia and their perception of the issue's importance.

The study also highlights the potential risks and benefits of using offensive language in social marketing. While offensive advertisements can capture attention and provoke thought, they may also alienate certain audiences. Social marketers should carefully consider their target audience and the context in which offensive language is used to maximize the positive impact of their campaigns.

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7th Annual (2024) Privacy Study

  • ARF Original Research

The ARF's 7th Annual Privacy Study surveyed 1,242 American consumers to understand their attitudes towards online privacy, data sharing and trust in institutions. This impactful perennial survey for the first time this year even gauged people’s feelings on AI. The study revealed a decline in perceived knowledge about online privacy, with only 40% of respondents feeling well-informed, down from 46% in 2023. Trust in media and brands also declined, particularly among younger demographics, while medical and financial institutions retained higher trust levels.

The study also highlighted increased resistance to data collection, even when tied to personalization or improved ad experiences. Consumers showed a growing aversion to sharing sensitive information and a heightened sensitivity to data breaches. Emerging concerns about AI and its impact on privacy were also noted, with AI platforms ranking among the least trusted institutions.

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How to Optimize Product Placement Interface Design for Mobile Food Delivery

  • JOURNAL OF ADVERTISING RESEARCH

This study explores the impact of Gestalt psychology on consumer behavior in mobile food delivery marketing. By analyzing brainwave activity, the research demonstrates how organizing visual elements in a Gestalt format can influence purchase decisions. The findings reveal that products placed in a Gestalt format led to higher purchase rates and lower cognitive conflict compared to non-Gestalt formats. The study also highlights the importance of complementary cross-selling products in enhancing the visual Gestalt effect. When main and cross-selling products are placed together in a Gestalt format, consumers experience a more positive emotional response and are more likely to make a purchase. These insights can help marketers optimize product placement interfaces to boost sales and improve user experience.

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How has Early Adoption of ChatGPT-4 Affected Subscriptions to Other Digital Services?

  • MSI

This study investigates how the adoption of GPT-4, the first paid GenAI service, influenced early adopters' payments to other digital services. The research provides insights into the payment behavior of early GPT-4 adopters and how it might help calibrate investor expectations of the GenAI market. The study uses a difference-in-differences approach to analyze payment data and offers a comprehensive view of the impact of GPT-4 on consumer payments for other digital services.

The findings suggest that early GPT-4 adopters were significantly more likely to pay for other AI tools like Github Copilot, which offers coding assistance. The study also highlights the potential of GenAI services to replace traditional web-based search tools and automate various service industries.

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Who is More Persuasive to an Audience, Micro-, Macro- or Mega- Influencers?

  • JOURNAL OF ADVERTISING RESEARCH

This study investigates the impact of influencer follower size on brand responses. It examines whether micro-, macro- or mega-influencers are more effective in increasing brand awareness, positive brand attitudes and purchase intentions. The study finds that micro-influencers, with fewer than 100,000 followers, are more persuasive than larger influencers due to their higher perceived credibility and similarity to the audience. The research highlights the importance of choosing the right influencer size for marketing campaigns to achieve better brand outcomes.

The study also explores the underlying mechanisms that explain the effects of influencer size on brand responses. It identifies three key factors: wishful identification, perceived credibility and perceived similarity. The findings suggest that micro-influencers are more effective in enhancing brand awareness and positive brand attitudes because they are perceived as more credible and similar to the audience.

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