As AI assistants become fully embedded within e-commerce platforms, the question becomes: how are consumers actually using them? This MSI working paper analyzes the behavior of over 31 million users on a major travel platform to uncover who adopts shopping AI, when it is used in the purchase journey, and what consumers rely on it for. The findings reveal that AI assistants complement—not replace—traditional search, helping consumers navigate complex, exploratory decisions and reshaping how discovery happens online.
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Live sports remains one of the most powerful marketing platforms in today’s fragmented media environment—combining scale, attention, emotion and cultural relevance. This CMO Brief and Knowledge at Hand report explores how different sports deliver distinct value for brands and why the most effective strategies go beyond media buys to create connected, cross-platform fan experiences that drive engagement and business results.
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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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