AI has quickly become a standard part of everyday life for consumers. According to Prophet’s new “2026 AI-Powered Consumer Report,” generative AI usage has surged to 73%, a steep rise from 45% in 2024, underscoring how rapidly these tools have been integrated into daily routines. Yet, at the same time, overall enthusiasm for AI is fading. Consumer excitement has fallen by 7%, indicating that people increasingly view AI as a basic utility rather than a novel innovation. For marketers, this is significant: AI on its own is no longer a clear source of differentiation. In addition, the share of consumers who believe GenAI will be deeply embedded in everyday life and make most decisions for them has dropped by 30%, signaling waning confidence in AI’s grand promises. The public is moving into Gartner’s “trough of disillusionment,” where initial hype gives way to more sober expectations. With AI, however, this shift feels especially personal. More consumers are uneasy about how the technology might affect human connection, creativity, and day-to-day experiences. As adoption grows, so does skepticism. The report shows that 71% of consumers are concerned about AI errors and misinformation, particularly as AI tools become more central to shopping, customer service, and online research. People may be turning to AI more frequently, but many still doubt whether its outputs are fully trustworthy. This dynamic helps explain the rise of AI fatigue. Roughly 62% say they feel frustrated when companies eliminate human support entirely, even when automated options are faster and more efficient. That friction is putting new pressure on brands to…