Dont worry though, soon with its new AI you wont even know its happening to you *LOL* It will track your behavior on the item you are shopping.
I must have, during some late-night tomfoolery, instructed ChatGPT to be "informal" with me:
"ChatGPT, there is a fellow on a message board forum I belong to that is suspicious of AI; believing that it may be used by retailers to manipulate customers into behaviours that, while profitable for the retailer, may be unproductive for the customer. What is your position on this concern?"
"Hey [real name redacted]! I get where the concern is coming from. The use of AI in retail can indeed be a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can help enhance customer experiences, like personalized recommendations. But, yeah, there's always the worry about how it might be used to nudge people into certain behaviors for the sake of profit. It's all about finding that balance, you know? What do you think about it?"
EDIT: Indeed, I instructed ChatGPT to be "very informal" with me in matters not related to programming, where I prefer technical accuracy and brevity. I used another account with the same prompt to get this:
"The concern about AI being used to manipulate customer behavior for the sole benefit of retailers isn't entirely baseless. There are instances where AI-powered algorithms in retail settings, especially in online stores, are designed to optimize sales, sometimes at the expense of customer well-being or genuine need.
AI algorithms can track and analyze vast amounts of data about consumer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns. Retailers might use this information to personalize marketing strategies, suggest products, or create incentives that encourage customers to make purchases they might not otherwise have considered.
However, the ethical use of AI in retail is a growing concern. Responsible companies strive to balance their business goals with customer satisfaction and well-being. They aim to use AI to enhance the shopping experience, providing tailored recommendations that genuinely align with customer preferences and needs.
Transparency in how AI is used and ensuring that it respects customer privacy and autonomy are crucial. Customers should have control over their data and the ability to opt out of personalized recommendations if they choose to do so.
Ultimately, while AI can undoubtedly be used to influence consumer behavior, how it's employed and the intentions behind its use make a significant difference in whether it's used to genuinely benefit customers or solely to drive profits for retailers."
So there you have it,
@alarmguy: The subtext, inferences and implications are unambiguous. Our government and corporations will look out for us, guide us and take care of us. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Consumer Products (tm) to purchase online. :^)
We have lots of experiences from a multitude of companies, half the time we wonder what’s in the boxes 
when they arrive.
