In the Immediate Aftermath of Cyber Monday, Nearly Half of U.S. Adults (48%) Bought Something an AI Tool Recommended
New AiEO Post-Cyber Week Snapshot: AI ranked as the single most helpful source for holiday decisions — ahead of Google
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, December 18, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In the three days immediately following Cyber Monday 2025, 48% of U.S. adults reported making at least one purchase based on an AI recommendation, according to new data released today by AiEO.
Key Findings
AI ranked as the most helpful source for holiday decisions. When asked which single source felt most helpful overall:
33.8% – AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, etc.) – 408 respondents
22.8% – Search engines (Google, Bing)
16.0% – Retailer websites
10.4% – Friends or family
10.0% – Social platforms
AI use was widespread:
55.6% used an AI tool for at least one holiday decision
Nearly half bought something AI recommended:
48.4% made at least one purchase based on an AI recommendation
33.0% bought at least one item
15.4% bought multiple items
How shoppers used AI (among all respondents):
50.0% – Comparing products or finding deals
42.2% – Getting ideas or advice (recipes, décor, gifts, hosting)
41.2% – Choosing gifts
29.7% – Planning travel or activities
19.8% – Selecting local businesses or services
AI reliance is expected to grow:
78.6% expect to rely on AI the same amount or more next holiday season
“Right after Cyber Monday, the single biggest online shopping event in history, more Americans named AI tools the most helpful source for holiday decisions than Google, retailer sites or even friends and family,” said Alex Varricchio, CEO of AiEO. “And 48% went on to buy something AI recommended. This isn’t experimentation anymore. It’s what actually happened in the frantic days after the deals ended.”
As consumers increasingly ask AI directly instead of clicking through lists of links, the clarity and consistency of a brand’s online information now determine whether it appears in synthesized answers at the moment of decision.
Methodology
Online survey of 1,206 U.S. adults 18+, fielded December 5–7, 2025 via SurveyMonkey Audience. Quotas and weighting applied to approximate U.S. Census demographics. Margin of error ±3% at 95% confidence.
About AiEO
AiEO (AI Engine Optimization) helps organizations appear accurately and consistently in AI-generated answers through audits, content optimization, structured publishing, and external signal building. Learn more at aieo.agency.
Brigit Harvey
UpHouse Inc.
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