1. Americans are increasingly concerned about the potential for the Bird Flu to spread among humans and pets.
Bird Flu is once again in the news – the H5N1 virus has spread through poultry farms, led to recalls, and has some experts expressing concern that viral mutations could result in a Bird Flu pandemic. Experts aren’t the only ones worried about possible spread among humans – new CivicScience data show the potential of the virus mutating and spreading to humans is the leading concern among Americans, and one that has risen over the last year. The potential spread to pets has also increased slightly. Conversely, however, concern over its potential impact on poultry/egg prices has fallen by six points from 2023.
Bird Flu concerns vary by political affiliation, however. Want to see how Republicans and Democrats differ and gain access to the full data found in this report? Get started here.
2. Clothing and apparel make for a common holiday gift this year, driven by parents.
Holiday shopping is entering its final stretch, and one standout category this year is clothing. Fresh data reveal that nearly two in five respondents have either already purchased or plan to buy clothing or apparel as holiday gifts.1 Among the top picks are sweaters/pullovers/ hoodies, as well as t-shirts. Parents are setting the pace for clothing-related holiday gifting as they are notably more likely than non-parents and grandparents to buy all of the clothing or apparel items studied.
Join the Conversation: Do you love it or hate it when people give you clothing as a gift?
3. Most consumers are uncomfortable with AI in Advertising, but it’s unlikely to sway the majority of them either way.
One of the more novel yet growing uses for AI is in advertising. While it can boost efficiency and help cut costs, new CivicScience data show brands have work to do to woo consumers on AI-generated content in their advertisements. More than six in ten U.S. adults report they are ‘uncomfortable’ with brands using AI-generated content in advertisements, though Americans under the age of 44 are most likely to be ‘comfortable’ with it.2
Despite the majority feeling uncomfortable, most respondents report that the usage of AI-generated ads wouldn’t sway their choice toward a brand either way. That said, nearly one-third report they’d be less likely to choose a brand using AI in its advertising. Consumers in higher-income households are more likely to claim that the use of AI in an advertisement has no effect on their decision to purchase a product.
