AI Platforms Now First Stop for Over 60% of Online Shoppers, Canadian Data Shows

Context Consumers are moving away from keyword searches that open dozens of tabs. AI now delivers filtered, plain‑language answers that match budget, use case, and preferences in seconds. This shift reduces the need to wade through technical jargon or sponsored listings.

Key Facts More than 60% of consumers use AI platforms as their first step when shopping online. According to a Social Media Lab report, 66% of Canadian consumers surveyed had tried or regularly used generative AI in 2025. About one‑third of Canadians reported avoiding AI altogether.

What It Means AI’s perceived neutrality—no pay‑for‑ranking slots—makes it feel like a trustworthy adviser. Comparison sites are responding by embedding AI to personalize results and replace rigid filters. As reliance grows, the technology’s limits in areas requiring real‑world testing, such as bonus verification for online casinos, remain a concern.

Watch for regulators and industry groups to address transparency, bias, and the integration of AI into traditional comparison platforms.