# AI Overviews, ChatGPT beat social platforms on shopper trust

Published: 2026-08-10T12:02:31.453Z · Source: PPC Land (https://ppc.land/ai-lengthens-purchase-decisions-for-42-of-us-shoppers-rtb-house-finds/)
Source date: 2026-08-10
Flags: RTB House study — vendor-published
Entities: ai-overviews, chatgpt

AI tools now lengthen the purchase decision for 42% of US shoppers who say they research more before buying, per an RTB House survey of 1,840 US and international consumers fielded in June and July 2026. Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT each scored 43% trust among US respondents — ahead of TikTok, Instagram and influencers, though still below friends and family at 59%. Only 35% of shoppers said they want to approve a purchase before an AI agent completes it, and US millennials' comfort with a $250 AI-agent spend fell from 42% to 34% once a return guarantee was removed.

Why it matters: AI Overviews and ChatGPT are already beating social platforms on shopper trust, but low tolerance for autonomous AI purchases shows the discovery-to-checkout gap AEO strategies still have to close.

## What this answers

**Do people trust Google AI Overviews more than social media when shopping?**

Yes, per an RTB House survey of US shoppers: Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT each scored 43% trust, ahead of TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and influencers, though still behind friends and family at 59%.

**Would shoppers let an AI agent buy things for them automatically?**

Only with limits — RTB House found 42% of US millennials would let an AI agent spend up to $250 with a return-protection guarantee, and most shoppers still want to approve the purchase themselves first.


Canonical: https://anythingengineoptimization.com/item/2026-08-10-ai-overviews-chatgpt-beat-social-platforms-on-shopper-trust/
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