Trends 2025: U.S. Consumers Still Wary of Gen AI in Film, TV and Music: Survey
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 26
- 14 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
Novelty of Generative AI in Media: Generative AI's increasing capability to create text, images, speech, music, and video is a relatively new development in the media and entertainment industries, making its impact a subject of significant discussion.
Consumer Perception and Acceptance: The success and ethical implications of using generative AI in creative fields heavily depend on consumer acceptance, making surveys that gauge these attitudes highly relevant.
Potential Disruption of Traditional Creative Roles: The ability of AI to partially or fully create content raises questions about the future roles of human writers, actors, musicians, and other creative professionals.
Ethical and Legal Considerations: The use of AI in content creation brings up important ethical and legal issues, such as copyright, ownership, and the potential for misuse.
Industry Adoption and Investment: Media and entertainment companies are actively exploring and investing in generative AI, making consumer sentiment a crucial factor in their strategies.
Overview:
A recent "Entertainment 365" consumer survey by Luminate explored U.S. consumers' awareness, adoption, and perceptions of generative AI in film, TV, and music production. The survey found that while over half of U.S. consumers have tried using generative AI applications, many remain wary of its use in creating the media they consume. Consumers expressed more discomfort than comfort with AI being involved in most aspects of content creation, with some variation depending on the specific use case and the age of the respondents. Younger generations generally showed less discomfort compared to older generations like Baby Boomers and Gen X. The survey highlights that consumer acceptance will likely play a significant role in shaping how generative AI is adopted and utilized within the entertainment industry.
Detailed Findings:
AI Usage: 52% of U.S. consumers have used a generative AI application, with 44% using it occasionally (26%) or regularly (18%). Usage is higher among younger generations, higher earners, and males.
Decreased Interest in AI-Created Media: Consumers tend to be less interested in engaging with media created with generative AI, except for AI-generated video game assets or dialogue.
Film & TV (AI-Written): 39% less interested vs. 28% more interested.
Music (AI-Produced): 40% less interested vs. 27% more interested.
News (AI-Written): Largest gap - 47% less interested vs. 30% more interested.
Discomfort with AI in Film & TV: Film and TV watchers are more likely to feel uncomfortable than comfortable with gen AI being used in most production aspects.
AI Digital Replica of Actor: Higher discomfort.
AI-Generated Screenplay: Higher discomfort.
AI-Enabled Visual Effects: 40% comfortable vs. 27% uncomfortable.
AI-Enabled Sound Effects: 38% comfortable vs. 26% uncomfortable.
Age-Based Differences in Film & TV Discomfort: Older viewers (Boomers) are more uncomfortable with any use of gen AI in film and TV, including digital replicas of deceased actors. Younger generations (Millennials) express less discomfort.
Discomfort with AI in Music: Music listeners are generally more uncomfortable than comfortable with gen AI.
Original Song Performed by AI Voice: Higher discomfort.
Song in Style/Sound of Human Artist: Higher discomfort.
Age-Based Differences in Music Discomfort: Older consumers (Boomers and Gen X) are most uncomfortable with any use of gen AI in music.
Consumer Acceptance as Key: The survey suggests that consumer acceptance will be a major factor in determining the extent to which generative AI is used in the entertainment industry.
Key success factors of product (trend):
Transparency with Consumers: Media creators and platforms need to be transparent about the use of generative AI in content creation to build trust and manage expectations.
Focus on Enhancing Human Creativity: Consumers seem more accepting of AI as a tool to augment human creativity (e.g., visual and sound effects) rather than replacing human roles entirely (e.g., writing or acting).
Addressing Ethical and Legal Concerns: The industry needs to proactively address ethical and legal issues related to AI-generated content, such as copyright and the portrayal of individuals.
Highlighting the Benefits to Consumers: Creators need to clearly articulate the benefits of using AI, such as creating new forms of immersive experiences or making content more accessible.
Respecting Consumer Preferences: Ultimately, the adoption of AI will depend on whether it leads to content that consumers actually want to engage with.
Key Takeaway:
Despite growing familiarity with generative AI, U.S. consumers remain largely wary of its use in film, TV, and music production, expressing discomfort with AI taking over key creative roles like writing or performance. However, they show more acceptance towards AI as a tool for enhancing production aspects like visual and sound effects, with a notable generational divide where younger audiences are generally more open to AI in media creation.
Main Trend:
The main trend is Consumer Hesitation Towards Generative AI in Core Creative Roles, indicating a significant level of discomfort among U.S. consumers regarding the use of AI to fully or partially create film, TV, and music, particularly in areas traditionally held by human artists.
Description of the trend:
Consumer Hesitation Towards Generative AI in Core Creative Roles: This trend describes the reluctance and unease that many U.S. consumers feel about the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence in the creation of film, television shows, and music. While acknowledging the growing prevalence of AI tools, the survey data reveals a preference for human-created content, especially when it comes to fundamental aspects like screenwriting, acting (through digital replicas), and musical performance (AI voices or mimicking artists' styles). This hesitation stems from a variety of factors, including concerns about artistic authenticity, the potential displacement of human creators, and the ethical implications of AI-generated content.
What is consumer motivation:
Value for Human Creativity and Artistry: Consumers often appreciate the unique perspectives, emotions, and skills that human creators bring to film, TV, and music.
Authenticity and Originality: There may be a perception that AI-generated content lacks the genuine emotion and originality of human-created works.
Fear of Displacement of Human Jobs: Some consumers may be concerned about the potential impact of AI on the livelihoods of writers, actors, musicians, and other creative professionals.
Ethical Concerns about Digital Replicas: The idea of AI creating digital replicas of actors, especially deceased ones, raises ethical questions about consent and the representation of individuals.
Nostalgia and Connection to Human Performers: Many consumers have strong connections to human artists and may feel that AI-generated performances lack the same emotional resonance.
What is driving trend:
Rapid Advancement of Generative AI: The quickly improving capabilities of AI in content creation are making its potential applications in entertainment more tangible and prompting consumer reflection.
Media Coverage and Public Discourse: Increased media attention on the use of AI in creative fields raises awareness and shapes public opinion.
Concerns Voiced by Creative Professionals: Hesitations and criticisms expressed by writers, actors, and musicians regarding the use of AI may influence consumer attitudes.
Examples of Perceived "Low-Quality" AI Content: Initial or less sophisticated examples of AI-generated media might contribute to a negative perception of its capabilities.
Underlying Sentiments About Technology in Creative Fields: Some consumers may generally feel that technology should support rather than replace human creativity in the arts.
What is motivation beyond the trend:
Curiosity and Openness to Innovation: A segment of consumers, particularly younger demographics, shows more interest and less discomfort with AI in media, driven by curiosity and openness to technological advancements.
Potential for New Forms of Entertainment: Some consumers may be excited about the possibility of AI enabling new and innovative forms of entertainment that were previously impossible.
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness for Producers: While consumers may be hesitant, producers might be motivated to use AI for efficiency and cost savings, which could eventually influence consumer perception if the quality is high.
Specific Use Cases with Perceived Benefits: The greater acceptance of AI in areas like visual and sound effects suggests that consumers are more open to AI when it demonstrably enhances the production process without replacing core creative roles.
Familiarity Over Time: As consumers become more accustomed to AI in various aspects of life, their attitudes towards its use in media creation might gradually shift.
Description of consumers article is referring to:
The article refers to U.S. consumers in general, with specific breakdowns and comparisons based on:
Age: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and younger generations.
Income: Higher earners were noted as having higher generative AI usage.
Gender: Males were noted as having higher generative AI usage.
Media Consumption Habits: Specifically, attitudes towards film, TV, music, and news.
These consumers are characterized by having varying levels of familiarity and experience with generative AI. They are expressing their preferences and comfort levels regarding the integration of this technology into the creation of the media they consume, highlighting a range of opinions from outright discomfort to cautious openness. Their perceptions are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future adoption of AI in the entertainment industry.
Conclusions:
The Luminate survey clearly indicates that U.S. consumers, while increasingly familiar with generative AI, are still largely wary of its application in the core creative processes of film, TV, and music. This hesitation is particularly strong among older demographics and in areas where AI might replace human artistry, such as writing and performance. However, there is more acceptance for AI as a tool to enhance production aspects like visual and sound effects. Ultimately, the survey underscores the crucial role of consumer acceptance in determining the future trajectory of generative AI within the entertainment industries.
Implications for brands:
Cautious Integration of AI: Brands in the entertainment industry should approach the use of generative AI in content creation cautiously, keeping consumer sentiment in mind.
Focus on AI as a Creative Tool: Emphasize AI's role in augmenting human creativity rather than fully replacing human artists, especially in consumer-facing content.
Transparency and Communication: Clearly communicate with consumers about the use of AI in their products or content to build trust and manage expectations.
Targeted Strategies for Different Demographics: Recognize the generational differences in AI acceptance and tailor content and marketing strategies accordingly.
Monitor Consumer Sentiment Continuously: Track evolving consumer attitudes towards AI to inform long-term content creation and technology adoption strategies.
Implication for society:
Debate on the Value of Human vs. AI-Generated Art: Society will likely continue to grapple with questions about the definition of art, the value of human creativity, and the role of AI in creative fields.
Potential Impact on Employment in Creative Industries: The increasing capabilities of AI could have significant implications for employment opportunities for writers, actors, musicians, and other creative professionals.
Ethical Considerations Around AI Content: Issues such as copyright, ownership, and the potential for misuse of AI-generated content will need to be addressed through societal and legal frameworks.
Changing Consumption Habits and Expectations: As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, consumer expectations and consumption habits may evolve.
Implications for consumers:
Increased Awareness of AI in Media: Consumers will become more aware of the presence and potential impact of AI in the entertainment they consume.
Potential for New and Different Forms of Content: AI could enable the creation of novel and unique entertainment experiences that were previously impossible.
Need to Evaluate the Authenticity of Content: Consumers may need to become more discerning about the origin and authenticity of the media they engage with.
Influence on Personal Preferences: Individual consumers will likely develop their own preferences and comfort levels regarding AI-generated content.
Implication for Future:
Refinement of AI Tools for Creative Industries: AI tools will continue to evolve and improve, potentially leading to higher quality and more sophisticated AI-generated content.
Greater Integration of AI in Specific Production Areas: AI is likely to see wider adoption in areas where it is currently more accepted, such as visual and sound effects.
Potential for Hybrid Human-AI Creative Collaborations: The future may involve more collaborations between human artists and AI, leveraging the strengths of both.
Development of Ethical Guidelines and Regulations: As AI becomes more integrated into media creation, there will likely be a greater need for ethical guidelines and possibly regulations to govern its use.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description): Cautious Embrace of AI in Entertainment - While consumers are increasingly using AI tools in their personal lives, they exhibit a cautious approach and a degree of skepticism towards its integration into the creation of film, TV, and music, particularly where it might replace human artistry.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description): Differential Acceptance by Creative Role - Consumers show varying levels of acceptance for AI depending on the specific creative role it plays, with greater comfort for its use in technical aspects like visual and sound effects compared to core creative roles like writing or performance.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description): The Human-Technology Interplay in Creative Fields - Society is actively exploring the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence, with ongoing discussions about the benefits, risks, and ethical implications of AI's role in artistic expression.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description): Global Discourse on AI Ethics and Governance - Across the world, there is a growing conversation about the ethical considerations and the need for governance frameworks to manage the development and application of artificial intelligence across various sectors, including the creative industries.
Social Drive (name, detailed description): Preservation of Human Artistry and Authenticity - A fundamental social drive to value and preserve the unique contributions and emotional depth that human creators bring to art and entertainment, leading to a cautious stance towards AI potentially overshadowing these human elements.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025:
Start with Enhancements, Not Replacements: Focus on using AI to enhance existing creative workflows rather than aiming for complete AI-driven content creation, especially in consumer-facing products.
Be Transparent About AI Usage: Inform consumers when and how AI is being used in the creation of the content they consume.
Prioritize Quality Over Cost Savings: Ensure that the use of AI results in high-quality content that meets or exceeds consumer expectations.
Engage with Creators and Address Concerns: Actively listen to and address the concerns of human creators regarding the impact of AI on their roles.
Cater to Generational Differences: Develop different strategies for engaging with younger and older audiences based on their varying levels of comfort with AI in media.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:
Focus AI Integration on Post-Production: Explore and implement AI tools for visual effects, sound design, and other post-production processes where consumer acceptance is higher.
Use AI for Content Personalization and Recommendations: Leverage AI to personalize content recommendations rather than for primary content generation in core creative areas.
Develop Hybrid Human-AI Content Models: Experiment with collaborative approaches where AI assists human creators, enhancing their capabilities without replacing their core roles.
Educate Consumers on the Benefits of AI in Specific Use Cases: Clearly communicate the advantages of using AI in areas like accessibility or creating new types of immersive experiences.
Invest in Ethical AI Development and Deployment: Ensure that the use of AI adheres to ethical guidelines and respects intellectual property and artistic integrity.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified), and what brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it.
The primary trend of consumer wariness towards generative AI in core creative roles necessitates that brands and companies in 2025 adopt a thoughtful and transparent approach, prioritizing AI as a tool to augment human creativity and enhance production quality in areas where consumers show greater acceptance, while carefully navigating ethical concerns and respecting the value consumers place on human artistry.
Final Note:
Core Trend: Consumer Wariness of AI in Core Creative Roles: (U.S. consumers express discomfort with generative AI fully or partially creating film, TV, and music, especially in writing and performance).
Core Strategy: Ethical and Transparent AI Integration: (Brands should prioritize ethical considerations and clearly communicate the use of AI in content, focusing on its role as a tool to enhance human creativity).
Core Industry Trend: Balancing Innovation with Consumer Acceptance: (The entertainment industry faces the challenge of leveraging the potential of generative AI while being mindful of consumer preferences and potential backlash).
Core Consumer Motivation: Value for Human Artistry and Authenticity: (Consumers are fundamentally motivated by the unique skills, emotions, and perspectives that human creators bring to media and entertainment).
Final Conclusion:
In 2025, the entertainment industry stands at a critical juncture regarding the integration of generative AI. While the technology offers exciting possibilities, the prevailing sentiment among U.S. consumers is one of caution, particularly when it comes to AI taking over core creative roles. For brands and companies to successfully navigate this landscape, a balanced approach that prioritizes ethical considerations, transparency with consumers, and a focus on augmenting human creativity with AI will be essential for fostering acceptance and realizing the potential benefits of this transformative technology.
Core Trend Detailed:
The core trend, Consumer Hesitation Towards Generative AI in Core Creative Roles, underscores a significant level of apprehension among U.S. consumers regarding the integration of generative artificial intelligence into the fundamental creative processes of film, television, and music. This caution is particularly pronounced when AI is perceived to be taking over roles traditionally held by human artists, such as screenwriting, acting through digital replicas, and musical performance mimicking human styles. This sentiment suggests a prevailing value placed on human artistry, authenticity, and the unique emotional connection that consumers have with human creators and performers.
Key Characteristics of the Core trend
The AI Skepticism Spectrum: Consumers exhibit a range of discomfort, with the strongest skepticism directed towards AI replacing core creative functions (writing, acting, original performance) and more openness towards AI as a tool for technical enhancements (visual and sound effects).
Generational Divide in AI Acceptance: Younger generations (Millennials and younger) tend to be more accepting and less uncomfortable with the use of AI in media creation compared to older generations (Gen X and Baby Boomers).
Emphasis on Human Touch: There's an inherent value placed on the human element in artistic expression, with a concern that AI-generated content might lack the genuine emotion and originality associated with human creators.
Ethical Boundaries in Digital Representation: Consumers, particularly older demographics, express discomfort with the idea of AI creating digital replicas of actors, especially deceased ones, raising ethical questions about consent and portrayal.
Preference for Authentic Artistic Voices: In music, there is resistance towards AI performing in the style of human artists or using AI-generated voices, suggesting a preference for the authenticity of the original artist's voice and style.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend
Media Attention on AI's Creative Capabilities: The increasing media coverage surrounding the advancements and potential impact of generative AI in creative industries is raising public awareness and scrutiny.
Concerns from Creative Professionals: Vocal concerns and skepticism from writers, actors, musicians, and other industry professionals regarding the potential displacement and impact on artistic integrity resonate with some consumers.
Early Examples of AI-Generated Content: The quality and reception of initial attempts at AI-generated media might contribute to consumer perceptions and shape their expectations.
Cultural Value of Human Artistry: There is a deeply ingrained cultural appreciation for the unique talents, experiences, and emotions that human artists bring to their work.
Ethical Debates Around AI in Society: Broader societal discussions and concerns about the ethical implications of AI in various aspects of life likely influence consumer attitudes towards its use in creative fields.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior
Increased Scrutiny of Content Origin: Consumers may become more curious and critical about how the media they consume is created, questioning the involvement of AI.
Potential Boycotts or Reduced Engagement: If consumers are aware that content they are interested in relies heavily on AI in core creative roles, they might choose not to engage with it or express their dissatisfaction.
Support for Human Creators: This trend might lead to increased support for human artists and content creators as a way to counteract the rise of AI-generated media.
Demand for Transparency from Media Platforms: Consumers may expect streaming services, studios, and music platforms to be transparent about their use of AI in content creation.
Formation of Opinions Based on AI Involvement: The knowledge that AI was used in a significant creative capacity (like writing or acting) might become a factor in consumers' overall opinion of a film, TV show, or song.
Implications Across the Ecosystem
For Brands and CPGs: Cautious use of AI in advertising and marketing content, with a focus on augmentation rather than full replacement of human creativity. Transparency with consumers about AI involvement in brand messaging.
For Retailers: Limited direct impact, but potential shifts in entertainment consumption could influence related product sales (e.g., demand for physical media as a reaction to AI-generated digital content).
For Consumers: Potential for new and different forms of AI-assisted entertainment, but also concerns about the authenticity and ethical implications of AI-generated media. Increased awareness of the creative process and the roles of human artists.
Strategic Forecast
Gradual Softening of Resistance: Consumer attitudes towards AI in entertainment may gradually become more accepting as the technology evolves and familiarity increases, particularly among younger generations.
Emphasis on Hybrid Creation Models: The industry may see a rise in collaborative models where AI assists human creators, leading to content that blends human artistry with AI capabilities.
Segmentation of Audience Preferences: Different consumer segments may develop varying levels of acceptance for AI-generated content, with some embracing it more readily than others.
Development of Transparency Standards: Industry standards or regulations regarding the disclosure of AI involvement in content creation could emerge to address consumer concerns.
Focus on AI for Efficiency Behind the Scenes: Consumers may show greater tolerance for AI being used in less visible production processes that improve efficiency without directly impacting core creative roles.
Areas of innovation
AI-Assisted Storytelling Tools: AI tools that help human writers brainstorm ideas, develop plotlines, and refine scripts, without fully replacing the writer's creative input.
Ethical AI for Digital Replicas: Development of ethical guidelines and technologies for creating and utilizing digital replicas of actors, with a focus on consent, legacy management, and respectful representation.
Human-AI Musical Collaboration Platforms: Platforms that enable musicians to collaborate with AI tools for composition, arrangement, and sound design, while retaining their unique artistic voice and control.
AI-Powered Accessibility Features: Using AI to generate subtitles, audio descriptions, or language translations to make content more accessible to a wider audience.
Transparency and Provenance Tracking: Technologies that allow consumers to easily identify the extent to which AI was involved in the creation of a particular piece of media, fostering trust and informed consumption.
Final Thought (summary)
The AI Authenticity Paradox: While generative AI offers exciting new possibilities for content creation, the prevailing consumer sentiment in 2025 leans towards a cautious skepticism, particularly concerning the replacement of core human creative roles. For the entertainment industry to successfully integrate AI, it must navigate this "authenticity paradox" by prioritizing transparency, focusing on AI as a tool to enhance human artistry, and respecting the deep-seated value consumers place on the unique contributions of human creators.
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