AI Impact on Consumers: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Shopping, Decision-Making, and Brand Relationships in 2026

The relationship between consumers and artificial intelligence has reached a tipping point. In 2026, we're witnessing the most significant transformation in consumer behavior since the advent of e-commerce. AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it's the invisible hand guiding millions of purchasing decisions, personalizing experiences, and fundamentally altering how people discover, evaluate, and buy products and services.