More Than 60% of US Adults Now Start New Tasks With AI

More Than 60% of US Adults Now Start New Tasks With AI

More Than 60% of US Adults Now Start New Tasks With AI

https://www.pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/more-than-60-of-us-adults-now-start-new-tasks-with-ai/

Publish Date: 2026-01-16 04:01:00

Source Domain: www.pymnts.com

  • Shift to AI Platforms: Consumers are increasingly starting their online experiences with artificial intelligence, using dedicated AI platforms before traditional search engines or individual apps for intent expression and task initiation, especially among Generation Z and heavy users.

  • Dialogue Replaces Keywords: AI is shifting consumer behavior from thinking in keywords (like search) and destinations (like app usage) to thinking in dialogue. Conversations with AI platforms articulate consumer goals directly.

  • Habit Displacement: Dedicated AI platforms are causing habit displacement where users reduce traditional search usage and bypass intermediary sites, becoming the primary cognitive hub for tasks.

  • Commerce Reorganization: As AI platforms become the initial point of intent expression, they are upstream of commerce, influencing purchasing decisions and framing the entire decision-making process, changing the traditional commerce and payments landscape.

  • Implications for Businesses: Businesses must rethink systems and processes to accommodate the shift where consumers start their tasks with an AI conversation rather than a click on a search engine or app.

These points capture the core changes in digital behavior highlighted by the Agentic AI Report in relation to the growing influence of AI platforms.