Rethinking Retail: How AI-driven Shopping Reinforces Structural Inequalities and Erodes Consumer Agency
Original framing: “What we lose when artificial intelligence does our shopping” — The Conversation - Global
The adoption of AI-driven shopping in retail raises concerns about the experiences of marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by the erosion of consumer agency. This narrative neglects the perspectives of consumers with disabilities or limited mobility, who may rely on human interaction and community engagement in their shopping experiences. Furthermore, the adoption of AI-driven shopping in retail may exacerbate existing social isolation and erode community cohesion in marginalized communities.
The adoption of AI-driven shopping in retail raises significant concerns about consumer agency, data privacy, and the exacerbation of existing structural inequalities.
To address these concerns, retailers and policymakers must prioritize human-centered design and decision-making in AI-driven shopping, promote cultural and social inclusion, and foster human-centered retail. This requires a nuanced understanding of the cultural and social implications of AI-driven shopping, as well as a commitment to protecting consumer rights and promoting social cohesion. Ultimately, the future of AI-driven shopping depends on the ability of retailers and policymakers to balance technological innovation with human values and social responsibility.