Bots Erode Trust in Holiday Shopping: Survey Highlights Growing Concerns

Bots Erode Trust in Holiday Shopping: Survey Highlights Growing Concerns - Blockchain.News

As the 2025 holiday shopping season intensifies, a significant concern emerges: the prevalence of bots infiltrating online transactions. According to a survey commissioned by World, an overwhelming 90% of American adults stress the importance of ensuring their online purchases are conducted with real humans. This sentiment underscores a growing distrust in digital commerce, exacerbated by the presence of automated bots.

The Human Cost of Automated Shopping

In a scenario familiar to many, online shoppers find their desired items vanishing from carts in milliseconds, snatched by bots. A survey of 2,000 respondents reveals that nearly two-thirds believe bots are stealing the joy of holiday shopping. This issue extends beyond mere frustration, reflecting a shift in how seasonal traditions are experienced. With two-thirds frequently battling bots, and 33% encountering them often, the emotional toll is evident: 44% report annoyance, another 44% express frustration or anger, and 36% experience stress from these encounters.

A Persistent Problem

This issue has been brewing for about five years, with three-quarters of respondents anticipating worsening conditions this holiday season. The sophistication of bots has evolved, with capabilities such as solving CAPTCHAs and using residential proxies to evade detection. These advancements have made it increasingly difficult for human shoppers to compete, leading to a preference for in-person shopping during events like Black Friday over the bot-laden Cyber Monday.

Trust in Online Purchases Eroding

Bots not only outpace human shoppers but also contribute to a deeper issue: a decline in trust in online commerce. Only 18% of those surveyed feel very confident in distinguishing legitimate products from fakes. This uncertainty turns each purchase into a gamble. The survey highlights that 58% of people would demand refunds for fake items, with 31% willing to post negative reviews, further damaging the reputation of online retail.

The Role of Human Networks

Amidst this crisis of trust, the survey's most striking finding is that 90% of Americans value verifying that their transactions involve actual humans. This points to a potential solution: leveraging human networks and proof of human technology. Such networks can ensure privacy while confirming the human identity of participants, addressing both the bot problem and data security concerns. By integrating these networks, retailers can restore customer confidence, reduce fraud, and ensure fair access to inventory.

Reclaiming Holiday Shopping Joy

The data suggests an urgent need for action. With 75% expecting the bot issue to worsen, the current situation is unsustainable. However, solutions are already available. Human networks can seamlessly integrate with existing e-commerce platforms, offering the speed and convenience consumers expect, while ensuring transactions occur within a trusted, human-centered ecosystem.

The survey indicates a clear consumer desire for a shift towards authenticity, fairness, and joy in online shopping. As the peak shopping season approaches, retailers have the opportunity to enhance the customer experience by ensuring that holiday deals and excitement reach their intended audience.

For further information, the original survey was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of World between October 24 and October 27, 2025, involving 2,000 internet-accessible Americans. Details on the methodology can be found on the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.

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