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Using the term ‘artificial intelligence’ in product descriptions reduces purchase intentions (news.wsu.edu)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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researchers conducted experimental surveys with more than 1,000 adults in the U.S. to evaluate the relationship between AI disclosure and consumer behavior

The findings consistently showed products described as using artificial intelligence were less popular

“When AI is mentioned, it tends to lower emotional trust, which in turn decreases purchase intentions,”

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[–] [email protected] 49 points 3 months ago (5 children)

Well that's true. I was looking at a Zojirushi rice cooker

One of its selling point is: 'Advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI (Artificial Intelligence) "learns" and adjusts the cooking cycle to get perfect results'

I immediately said no thanks and looked for another model without that, and probably cheaper. It's a rice cooker FFS!

[–] [email protected] 15 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI (Artificial Intelligence) "learns" and adjusts the cooking cycle to get perfect results

Superior induction heating (IH) technology generates high heat and makes fine heat adjustments resulting in fluffier rice

"My Rice (49 Ways)" menu setting – Just input how the rice turned out, the rice cooker will make small changes to the cooking flow until it gets to the way you like it

Based on the description the so-called "AI" simply adjusts time based on user feedback. That would be hilarious if not so sad as a marketing device.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 3 months ago (1 children)

So after it's done you can adjust it's cooking time, but instead of a cook time knob that you turn they try to pretend it's AI?

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Pretty much. But instead of adjusting it like "cook it for less/more time", you say "it's raw/mushy". Or at least that what I think, based on the product info, but I might be wrong.

And... yeah, it's all pretend. Just like "smart" some years ago.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

It probably has the twin benefits of needing a crummy smartphone app (that spies on you) and an internet connection though. Knobs lack these delights.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

What a wonderful user experience! No rice is fine if connection is down, right?

[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 months ago (1 children)

How does it determine better results? oO

That's the problem with most marketing. Unspecific, raising questions rather than answering them. Being vague and only positive-formulated rather than presenting information.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I mean, they wrote "learn" with quotation marks so… 🤷🏻‍♂️

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Well at least that's more honest than many many "researchers".

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago (1 children)

But zojirushi is a legitimately good brand and I'd apply an exception for them unless they became enshittified

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

I know that's why I'm staying with that brand. I am just looking for another model, I probably don't need all the fuss features of the top of the line model.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI (Artificial Intelligence) “learns" and adjusts...

I swear there was a dishwasher or something in either Sims 1 or 2 that damn near this exact description.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

For what it’s worth, they’ve had a “Neuro Fuzzy” rice cooker (https://www.zojirushi.com/app/product/nszcc) for years—ours is at least 10 years old at this point. And, I would bet this is a trivial extension of that—using some decision tables supplemented with heat feedback—with only the addition of a user feedback mechanism, rather than any, true “AI”.