Retailers want ‘delightfully human’ AI to do your shopping, but will the chatbots go rogue?
March 6, 2026
•TheGuardian_Technology•Moderate impact
[key points]
Key points
•Major retailers are considering using sophisticated AI assistants for meal planning, party organizing, and customer shopping.
•Companies must balance making the newer, “agentic” bots relatable without them going rogue.
•AI chatbots have experienced mishaps, such as Bunnings’ chatbot giving illegal electrical advice and Air Canada’s virtual assistant incorrectly promising a bereavement fare refund.
Impacted Jobs
Customer service representative
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Online community manager
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Marketing manager
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Data analyst
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Software tester
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Retailers want ‘delightfully human’ AI to do your shopping, but will the chatbots go rogue? | Veille IA Shiftometer