Are AI bots like Instinct and Meta's Muse going to shop for you? And what happens if they do? (www.businessinsider.com)

Instinct and Meta's Muse are pioneering "agentic" AI bots capable of making purchasing decisions on behalf of users, such as buying groceries or booking flights. This development signifies a potential paradigm shift in online shopping, akin to the transition from brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce. However, the technology remains in its infancy, raising questions about consumer trust, data access, and the economic implications for existing retailers like Amazon, which may find themselves marginalized if these bots succeed. Despite the excitement, significant hurdles remain. Previous attempts at instant purchasing, such as OpenAI's Instant Checkout, have faltered due to poor conversion rates and technical limitations in real-time data access. Both Instinct and Muse face skepticism regarding their ability to deliver reliable service, particularly as anecdotal evidence of mishaps surfaces. It remains uncertain how these bots will monetize their services while ensuring unbiased price comparisons, and whether they will disrupt traditional advertising channels. Overall, while the potential for agentic bots to transform shopping exists, the journey toward widespread adoption is fraught with challenges.