Survey finds AI branding can repel consumers even as companies chase AI search

A WordPress VIP survey found that 60% of US consumers say “AI” in brand messaging is a turnoff, TechCrunch reports. The finding comes as companies increasingly optimize content and strategy for AI-generated search and answer engines.

The gap is important: businesses may see AI as a growth channel, while many customers remain skeptical of AI-labeled products and answers. That creates a messaging problem as much as a technical one.

Brands may need to emphasize usefulness, trust, and quality instead of simply advertising that a product or workflow uses AI.