AI is rapidly becoming the starting point for many everyday activities, from planning and learning to shopping and decision-making. A new report by PYMNTS Intelligence suggests that AI is no longer just an added digital tool, but is increasingly replacing traditional entry points such as search engines and mobile apps.
The study shows that AI use in the United States has moved firmly into the mainstream, with more than 60 per cent of consumers using dedicated AI platforms over the past year. Younger users and frequent AI users are leading the shift, increasingly turning to AI first rather than using it to support existing online habits.
Researchers found that how people use AI matters as much as how often they use it. Heavy users rely on AI across many aspects of daily life, treating it as a general-purpose system, while lighter users remain cautious and limit AI to lower-risk tasks. Trust plays a decisive role, especially when it comes to sensitive areas such as finances and banking.
The report also points to changing patterns in online discovery. Consumers who use standalone AI platforms are more likely to abandon older methods entirely, while those encountering AI through search engines tend to blend it with familiar tools. That difference suggests that the design and context of AI services strongly influence user behaviour.
Looking ahead, the findings hint at how AI could reshape digital commerce. Many consumers say they would prefer to connect digital wallets directly to AI platforms for payments, signalling a potential shift in how intent turns into transactions. As AI becomes a common entry point to the digital world, businesses and financial institutions face growing pressure to adapt their systems to this new starting line.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
