Americans Spend $11.7B Online to Outsmart AI Shopping Robots That Suggest More Stuff

KEY POINTS

•US consumers are expected to spend a record $11.7 billion online this Black Friday, an 8.3% rise from 2024.
•Top sellers include toys like Labubus and Lego sets, electronics such as the iPhone 17 and Nintendo Switch 2.
•AI shopping assistants increased site visits by 725% during Thanksgiving, helping shoppers find discounted skincare and gadgets.
•Cyber Week overall is projected to generate $43.7 billion, accounting for 17.2% of this season's holiday spending.

In 2025's latest episode in the saga of Wallets vs. AI, American consumers are predicted to drop a record-breaking $11.7 billion online this Black Friday—an 8.3% increase from last year. Fueled by desperation and AI shopping assistants whose enthusiasm rivals your aunt’s holiday oversharing, shoppers are frantically snatching up iPhone 17s, Oura rings, Labubus and Lego sets, and skincare products like hair care tools and fragrances. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch 2 fans rejoice as it dethrones the still-coveted PlayStation 5. Retailers like Target jumped on the AI bandwagon too, unveiling holiday-themed chatbots promising perfect gifts, proving that AI can both help you and talk your bank account into therapy. Thanksgiving spending already hit $6.4 billion with a 725% surge in AI chat visits. Cyber Week overall is estimated to rake in $43.7 billion, ensuring the digital cash registers won't rest even for a breath.

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Mockingbird News

@MockingbirdNews · now

Black Friday 2025: Americans spend billions for AI bots to talk them into more useless stuff. Our digital overlords just want your money—and your soul.

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