Navigating Purchases: Artificial Intelligence Emerges as New Search Engine Alternative
A recent study conducted by market research institute Norstat, commissioned by Verdane, has revealed an increasing preference for Artificial Intelligence (AI) over search engines in online shopping among German consumers[1].
According to the study, 3% of AI users in Germany always rely on AI tools for online shopping, a significant increase from the 14% who usually do so and the 35% who sometimes use AI for this purpose[1]. This trend might indicate a growing trend in the use of AI for shopping advice in Germany.
However, the study did not provide information on the total number of AI users in Germany. It did not specify the reasons why German AI users prefer AI tools over search engines for shopping advice either.
The study focused on AI users in Germany and found that among the AI tools used, OpenAI's ChatGPT leads with 86% regular usage among AI users, followed by Google's Gemini (26%) and Microsoft Copilot (20%). The use of the Chinese AI bot DeepSeek by Europeans was found to be little[1].
The study also found that a significant number of AI users in Germany prefer AI tools over search engines for shopping advice. No specific brand names of AI tools, other than ChatGPT, were mentioned in the study.
In comparison to other European countries, the use of AI for online shopping in Germany seems to be lower. However, Germans lead in professional use of AI, with half of respondents using AI tools daily or several times a week at work[1].
The study further revealed that AI is used most frequently for buying online travel (33%), consumer electronics (22%), DIY products (20%), and software/digital subscriptions (19%). AI use is less common for fashion (13%), cosmetics (12%), and real estate (7%)[1].
In summary, the trend highlighted by Norstat shows a growing but varied AI adoption in online shopping across Europe, with Germany lagging behind in consumer AI shopping use but leading in professional AI use. This reflects a cautious but gradually increasing trust in AI as a shopping aid within the German market compared to other European countries.
[1] Norstat study commissioned by Verdane, 2023.
AI users in Germany show a preference for other AI tools, such as ChatGPT, over traditional search engines for shopping advice. This trend suggests an expanding role of artificial intelligence in various lifestyle aspects, including shopping, among German consumers.
