By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

TRUMP ENTERS OFFICE WITH OPTIMISM

Our monthly study with the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University shows that President Joe Biden left office with his lowest approval rating in two years, while President Trump re-enters the White House with a majority of Americans having optimistic initial views.

• 56% believe Trump has been trying to unify rather than divide the country after the election (Democrat: 23%, Republican: 88%, Independent: 55%).
• Of the cabinet picks, more favor rather than oppose Marco Rubio (+10), Mike Huckabee (+10) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (+9). Yet Americans are split on Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as leaders.
• Of Trump’s policies, deportations of illegal immigrants who have committed crimes (71%) and ending the Israel-Hamas conflict are most popular (66%). Withdrawing from NATO (24%) and renaming the Gulf of Mexico (28%) are least popular.
• Americans say their greatest hopes for the new Trump administration are that he will end inflation (66%), improve national security (46%), revitalize the American economy (41%) and restore American values (39%).
• Americans’ say top fears are Trump behaving like a dictator (44%), political gridlock (38%), damage to American international reputation and relationships (36%), and damage to federal government and agencies (36%).
• Regarding the LA fires, 54% believe authorities could have been better prepared (Democrat: 38%, Republican: 70%, Independent: 54%).
• 57% believe California Governor Gavin Newsom is guilty of mismanaging resources and making the fires worse, while 60% believe the same of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

MOST AMERICANS STILL SUPPORT DIVERSITY

With all the backlash to DEI, Americans still see the benefits of diversity, according to our new Harris Poll survey with Axios Vibes.

• Most demographic groups say DEI has benefited their career rather than hindered it.
• While 41% support efforts to roll back diversity initiatives, the majority – nearly six in 10 – oppose such efforts or are unsure.
• 61% recognize the positive impact of diverse teams on organizations.
• 75% want to see more work on diversity to ensure everyone is advancing.
• 39% of Democrats have benefited from DEI, compared with 26% of Republicans.
• These findings are consistent with past research, which highlighted the DEI acronym as more of an issue than people walking away from the values themselves.
• See also: Minority groups more pessimistic heading into new Trump era: Axios Vibes poll

AI = FOBO

Two thirds of employees have anxiety about their professional relevance due to technological change, according to Harris Poll’s second annual ETS Human Progress Report launched this week at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos.

• The fear of being obsolete (FOBO) is an issue for 60% of employees today.
• Yet 63% globally feel optimistic about their country’s upskilling/reskilling opportunities to counterbalance FOBO.
• 86% of global employees agree that certifying their skills improves their chances of securing a better or higher-paying job.

CEO’S AND COMMS LEADERS LACK CONFIDENCE

A substantial gap exists today in global confidence in business, based on Harris Poll’s latest Business Confidence Index with the Page Society.

• Only 26% of leaders globally are confident that companies can positively address societal issues.
• A 25-point gap exists between the public ranking of and confidence in addressing the most critical issues (in rank order): 1) economic stability and growth, 2) job creation and workforce skills development, 3) corruption, 4) environment, 5) research and technological innovation, and 6) mental health issues.
• The top 2025 business risks, according to communications leaders, include: 1) anti-woke/resistance to ESG/DEI and activist campaigns; 2) polarization and low trust, including dis/misinformation; 3) declining faith in institutions; 4) Trump policy shifts, including economic, regulatory and foreign policy, and 5) geopolitical challenges of rising populism, instability and international conflicts.

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• Risk leaders say cybersecurity is business growth’s biggest threat
• Publishers: Don’t Repeat The Same Story, Become Leaders of Technology
• Career and function switching on the rise
• More Adults Turn to Cannabis Than Prescription Sleep Aids To Help Them Sleep
• CEOs and Board Directors View News Media as Powerful Advertising Tool to Influence Key Stakeholders and Say Brand Safety is Overapplied

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

FOOD INFLATION FORCES MORE COOKING AT HOME

More Americans plan to cook at home this year to save money, based on our Harris Poll research with Flashfood.

• Food prices are predicted to increase 1.9 percent in 2025, according to the USDA.
• 83% of U.S. consumers say saving money is an even bigger priority in 2025 than it has been in other years.
• 81% say saving money on food is a top priority.
• 89% believe cooking meals at home is not only one of the best ways to save money on food, but also a healthier alternative to takeout or dining out.

DRY JANUARY OR CANNABIS 2025?

For many, it’s “dry January,” yet it’s also a cannabis-filled 2025, based on our Harris Poll research.

• 75% of Americans said they considered participating in dry January.
• 75% of those looking to de-stress in 2025 also are considering incorporating THC/CBD products into their routine – with DoorDash adding hemp-derived product delivery in some states.

PARENTS WANT CHILD CARE HELP AT WORK

Parental stress is nearly double that of the general population. Based on our Harris Poll study with Bright Horizons, the workplace is a big part of the problem and the solution.

• 34% of working parents feel they’re working too many hours.
• 58% say they’re not giving 100% of themselves at work, and 63% worry they cannot give their all to their families.
• 46% place “help with paying for child care” at the top of their benefits wish list.
• See also: HR Leaders Say Flexible, Employer-Sponsored Child Care Benefits Are Essential for Employers in Today’s Market

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• YOU’RE INVITED: The Ultimate Trend Report: A Round-Up of 2025’s Best Trend Predictions
• How AI Will Revolutionize Comms in 2025
• Americans View Tech Sector and A.I. as Major Economic Drivers and Support the Industry Working with the Incoming Trump Administration
• Main Character Health: The Death of Basic Wellness
• Predictions For The Tech Job Market In 2025
• 5 Bold Ad Trends Set to Define Super Bowl LIX
• PRSA Member Mondays with 2025 Chair Ray Day

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

HELP NOT WANTED

A third of job seekers expect a decline in job offerings this year, based on our Harris Poll research with Express Employment Professionals.

• 61% of job seekers believe they will find a new job within six months, lower than 66% in the spring of 2024 and significantly lower than 69% in the fall of 2023.
• Employed job seekers are primarily looking for better compensation (40%), growth opportunities (38%) and improved work-life balance (33%).
• Female job seekers are more likely than their male counterparts to look for better compensation (46% versus 36% for men) and work-life balance (39% versus 29% for men).
• Most job seekers are open to full-time positions (79%), with fewer willing to accept part-time (35%), contract/freelance (24%), temporary/seasonal (19%) or entry-level positions (18%).
• The most significant challenges for job seekers include finding opportunities that match their qualifications (51%), securing jobs with the pay they need to cover basic expenses (44%) and standing out in a competitive market (40%).
• The top barriers to employment are lacking hard skills, soft or communication skills (40%); companies claiming to be hiring but only collecting applicants/resumes to review (34%); and being underqualified (23%).

TECH REPUTATION STRENGTHENS

The tech sector begins 2025 with one of the strongest reputations across industries, and two thirds of Americans want tech companies to work with the incoming Trump administration, according to a HarrisX survey released by Stagwell’s Risk and Reputation Unit at CES 2025.

• 81% view the tech industry favorably, placing it on par with the manufacturing sector (80%) and far ahead of healthcare (65%), oil and gas (60%), pharmaceutical (52%) and the news media (51%).
• 79% say tech has a positive economic impact, and 57% expect the industry to be a major economic driver during the next five years.
• By comparison, one in three Americans think the real estate (35%) and auto (32%) industries will play a major role in the economy during that same time period.
• 67% want tech companies to work with the incoming Trump administration.
• 58% believe the Trump presidency will provide a boost for the technology industry.
• Yet Americans are less certain about the role tech leaders should play outside their industry: 55% say tech CEOs are not speaking up enough, and 60% think tech leaders “get it wrong” when they speak up on political, economic and social issues.
• When it comes to speaking out overall, workplace and economic issues are the safest topics: paid family leave (68%), minimum wage (66%) and the environment (65%). That compares with far fewer who favor companies speaking out on abortion (39%) or transgender rights (38%).

AI IS AGAIN THE STORY AT CES

AI is now central to product and service innovation, from tractors that optimize soil conditions to AI book-scanning voice readings, according to the Harris Poll team members on site at CES 2025.

• This year marks brands humanizing and integrating AI into daily life – and the race is on for competing visions to enhance brand-consumer relationships.
• We found 10 items of interest at CES.
• See also: Watch Stagwell’s CEO Mark Penn interview Elon Musk at CES!
• See also: The Real Questions Leaders Should Ask During (And After) CES

CYBER IS THIS YEAR’S TOP C-SUITE CONCERN

Cybersecurity and technology disruption – often caused by AI manipulation – are among the top threats to business in 2025, based on our Harris Poll survey with Chubb.

• 74% of executives at large companies cite cybersecurity as the top risk to growth, with 40% reporting that cyber breaches and data leaks have been the most disruptive and financially burdensome man-made threats.
• That compares with 59% of executives citing cash flow and 56% pointing to inflation and interest rates as significant obstacles to growth.

WOMEN WANT BETTER OB/GYN CARE

Women in the U.S. are delaying gynecology visits and pushing for greater convenience, comfort and ease from healthcare providers, based on our Harris Poll survey with BD.

• 72% of women have delayed having a gynecology visit.
• That’s despite 62% of women understanding that cervical cancer is preventable with regular screenings.
• Women are skipping due to fear or discomfort (54%), scheduling-related challenges (49%) and lack of understanding on how often they should be screened (50%).
• 81% want more comfortable and less invasive HPV/cervical cancer testing options, with 73% interested in a self-collection swab test.

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

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• UnitedHealthcare CEO’s death could change corporate comms
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• Gen Z’s Sriracha fandom skyrockets amidst a serious hot chili sauce shortage
• Paddington’s popularity surges among UK adults after new movie release

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

2025 PREDICTIONS

Look to hear more about Gen Alpha and personalization and less about “buy now” buttons and QR codes, based on Stagwell’s Assembly 2025 Global Predictions. Among them:

• Research into Gen Alpha, often dubbed “iPad kids,” will accelerate, driving a surge in YouTube content tailored to their interests.
• Searches starting with “do I need” or “should I” are surging 65% to 85% – signaling a shift in how people seek personalized information.
• Statewide elections in New Jersey and Virginia – and major mayoral campaigns in New York, Atlanta and Detroit – will significantly affect the advertising landscape.
• The shopping revolution will accelerate as we move beyond QR codes and static “Buy Now” buttons to fully embedded, seamless commerce.
• Social media will become the go-to search engine for younger consumers.

OUT WITH TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY PARTIES

Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping how employees celebrate the holiday season, according to research by The Harris Poll.

• 48% now host regular in-person holiday events.
• 74% of employees look forward to these celebrations.
• Yet only 37% of Gen Z say they are very likely to attend.
• 42% of Gen Z prefer alcohol to be served in moderation or not at all.
• 71% of employees would opt for additional time off instead of a holiday party.

WILL GEN X BE ABLE TO RETIRE?

Many Gen Xers fear they will not be able to afford retirement, based on our Harris Poll survey with Bloomberg News.

• 43% of Gen X say they can afford to retire at age 65.
• 73% of employed Gen X say they anticipate working longer to afford retirement.
• 38% say they likely will have to work their entire lives.
• For those without a 401(k), 26% say they do not expect to retire at all.
• 76% believe politicians have no idea how to fix Social Security.

HONESTY NOT THE BEST POLICY

Being too honest at work can damage a career, according to our Harris Poll survey with Express Employment Professionals.

• 65% feel being “too honest” at work damages an employee’s professional reputation.
• Hiring managers say employees can be “too honest” when sharing personal information (65%), criticizing colleagues or the company (53%), gossiping or spreading rumors (51%) and venting about colleagues or projects (46%).
• In fact, 67% of hiring managers say talking about personal matters at work hinders productivity.

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• What comms leaders and CEOs spoke out about in 2024
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• How AI is changing the game for 3 creatives
• Social media buzz boosts UK demand for Guinness among young adults

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

NO POLITICS AT THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY DINNER

After a divisive election season, Americans want to enjoy the holidays without talking about politics, based on our Harris Poll research with the American Psychological Association.

• 7 in 10 want to avoid political discussions with family this holiday season.
• 83% agree that the holidays are a time to forget political differences.
• 39% say they are stressed by the thought of politics coming up at holiday gatherings.
• Yet 65% say that, if politics do come up, they are not worried about it hurting family relationships.

TRADITION RULES IN THE KITCHEN

Americans are most influenced by family traditions and nostalgia when making holiday meals, according to our Harris Poll survey with Instacart.

• 88% are gearing up to cook festive meals for Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s Eve.
• 67% say family traditions are a top influence when selecting holiday dishes (73% for women versus 61% for men).
• Married people (73%) are more likely than non-married (62%) to be influenced by traditions.
• Turkey (56%) and ham (52%) are the most preferred main dishes.
• Yet younger generations are venturing beyond the traditional, favoring chicken dishes (47% for Gen Z and 43% for Millennials versus Gen X at 28% and Boomers at 21%).
• Hot chocolate is Americans’ favorite holiday beverage (58%), followed by eggnog (42%), cider (26%), mulled wine (13%) and hot toddy (13%).

TRUST IN COMMUNICATORS HIGHER THAN CEO’S

Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) are more trusted than CEOs, according to the fourth annual CEO-Communicators Perceptions Survey by HarrisX and Ragan Communications.

• 76% of non-CCOs report trusting their CCOs “a great deal” on external communications, followed by 72% for internal/employee communications, 67% for DE&I, 64% for media relations and 60% for sustainability.
• Trust in CEOS on DE&I matters has declined to 42% in 2024 (from 53% in 2023 and 59% in 2022).
• While 79% of leaders believe AI positively affects communication quality, smaller organizations remain hesitant to adopt the tools into the communications tech stack.
• See also: Key takeaways from the Ragan and HarrisX 4th annual Survey of Communications Leaders

40% HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE JOB INTERVIEW THIS YEAR

Americans are struggling more than ever to land job interviews, according to our Harris Poll survey with the American Staffing Association.

• 45% will continue looking for a job in the new year.
• 42% have applied to 10 or more positions this year.
• 50% would not accept a job without a remote or hybrid policy.
• 31% would not apply for a job opening that required a cover letter.

TOO MUCH SHOPPING

The ease of online shopping is hurting Americans’ finances, according to our Harris Poll research with NerdWallet.

• 22% have made impulse purchases that have significantly affected their finances in the past 12 months.
• 16% have spent more on impulse purchases than they put into their retirement accounts.
• 40% of young people who are feeling financially squeezed attribute it to their excessive spending on non-essentials.

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

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• Where CEOs and comms leaders align on the state of the workplace
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• Apple attracts Baby Boomers with cutting-edge wellness features

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

‘TIS THE SEASON TO DECK THE OUTDOORS

Holiday cheer influences where Americans want to live, based on new Harris Poll research with Opendoor.

• 20% of families with children would consider selling if their neighborhood didn’t partake in holiday decorations.
• 26% also would consider selling their home if their HOA was too strict and limited holiday decorations.
• Homeowners’ holiday pet peeve: Parking. One third would consider selling if their neighbor’s holiday guests parked all over the street and in front of their house.
• 20% would think about selling if their neighbor had too many parties during the holiday season.
• 28% of homeowners would consider selling if their neighbor blasted holiday music too loud – or too early in the season.
• See also: Generation Spend: Why Gen Z is Investing More in Holiday Joy

SOBER FOR THE SEASON

While most Americans like to drink during the holidays, the trend toward non-alcoholic beverages continues to grow, based on Harris Poll data with Instacart.

• 53% say they drink during the holidays.
• 8% opt for non-alcoholic beer or wine with dinner, like at Thanksgiving last week.
• During the last five years, orders for non-alcoholic drinks spiked 157%.

TARIFF TREPIDATION

What do Americans think about all tariffs ahead of the next inauguration? Our Harris Poll research with The Guardian shows:

• 78% feel confident they understand tariffs.
• Yet only 48% correctly know that American companies pay the tariff price.
• 47% of Republicans and 32% of Democrats incorrectly said foreign countries pay.
• 69% of Americans think tariffs on imports will lead to higher prices.
• 70% worry tariffs will affect what they can afford.
• 76% believe companies will pass along the cost of tariffs to consumers.
• 44% are planning tariff-free purchases ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
• 62% predict tariffs will force them to adjust their 2025 financial plans.

NEARLY ALL YOUNG PEOPLE USE AI AT WORK

Most Gen Z and Millennial workers already are using artificial intelligence tools in one capacity or another at work, based on our Harris Poll research with Google Workspace.

• 82% of young adults in leadership positions say they leverage AI in their work.
• 93% of Gen Z and 79% of Millennials use two or more AI tools each week.
• Most use AI to start a task that feels overwhelming, improve their writing or to take notes.
• 86% believe AI can help leaders become better managers.
• 47% say it helps enhance communication, improves problem-solving and facilitates better relationships.

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• Ray Day Assumes Role of Executive Chairman at Allison Worldwide

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

4 IN 10 PREFER PETS OVER CHILDREN

America is in a pet economy boom, driven by younger generations spending more money, time and attention than ever on their four-legged “children,” based on our Harris Poll Thought Leadership & Futures study.

• 43% of Americans would rather have pets than kids.
• 82% of pet owners see their pets as children.
• A third would trade $1,000 for more time with their pets.
• Pet owners spend $4,366 annually, and younger owners spend even more (Gen Z: $6,013; Millennials: $5,150; Gen X: $3,878; Boomers: $2,454).
• 24% of pet parents admit to being in debt due to pet expenses, jumping to 29% for Gen Z and 34% for Millennials.

TO RECLINE OR NOT RECLINE

Should airlines ban reclining seats on planes? Our Harris Poll study with La-Z-Boy suggests many Americans say “yes.”

• 41% say they support a ban on passengers reclining seats on domestic flights.
• Slightly more women (42%) support a ban versus men (40%).
• Younger fliers dislike reclining (42% for ages 18-34) more than older fliers (38% for ages 35-44 and 35% for ages 55-64).

NO TIPS WHEN STANDING?

More than 3 in 5 Americans won’t tip if they order standing up, based on our Harris Poll study with Paylocity.

• 62% say they will not give a tip if they placed an order while standing – highest among Boomers (66%) and lowest among Gen Z (57%).
• Overall, 65% of Americans say they’re annoyed with how frequently they’re asked to tip.
• Most annoyed are Gen X (70%) and Boomers (68%), compared with Gen Z (56%).

RECYCLING NEEDS A RESET

Several barriers are preventing Americans from recycling more, based on our Haris Poll research with Keep America Beautiful.

• 33% of Americans are confused about what can and cannot be recycled (42% for Gen Z and Millennials).
• 41% throw items in the trash to avoid making recycling mistakes.
• 21% say recycling has caused arguments at home, especially among younger generations (37% for Gen Z and 32% for Millennials).
• 63% rate America’s recycling system a ‘C’ or lower, and 22% give it a ‘D’ or ‘F.’

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By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

AMERICANS STILL BELIEVE IN NEWS

While trust in the news media continues to decline, Americans still believe in the importance of the news media for a healthy democracy, according to a new poll by HarrisX as part of Stagwell’s Future of News initiative.

• 25% of Americans and 25% of British consumers label themselves as “news junkies.”
• American news junkies read an average of 7 news articles a day and check the news 5.6 times a day.
• British news junkies read an average of 4.8 news articles a day and check the news 4 times a day.
• News junkies are primarily Gen X (64%, versus 58% of the general population) and college graduates (51%, versus 38% of the general population).
• 56% of adults say it’s important for younger generations to watch the news more than they currently do.
• Americans follow general news the most (78%), followed by political news (71%), economic news (63%), international news/global affairs (63%) and healthcare news (59%). 
• 71% say companies should advertise on news media: (78% for news junkies), and 66% have a more positive impression of companies that advertise on news (74% for news junkies).
• Local TV news is rated the most trusted news media source (73%), followed by broadcast TV (67%), local newspapers (66%), radio (65%), national newspapers (64%), cable news (59%), magazines (58%), online publications (55%), podcasts (52%) and social media (41%). 
• When asked about trust in news, 42% say it’s declining, 43% see no improvement, and 15% say it’s improving. 
• The top issues undermining trust in news are misinformation/fake news (57%), poor separation between news and opinion content (46%) and sensationalism and bias (44%).

TWO THIRDS SAY NO ONE CARES ABOUT THEIR HEALTHCARE

Americans want a better healthcare system that works for more people, and providers, payers and patients need better communication, coordination and incentives to get there. This is based on new Harris Poll research presented at the Milken Institute’s Future of Health Summit.

• 66% of Americans say they have to be responsible for their health because no one else seems to care.
• 52% say following social media health and wellness trends is more accessible than trying to connect with medical professionals.
• 55% of patients of color report receiving poor quality care within the last year (up 11 points from a year ago), and 52% have needed a second opinion after their concerns were dismissed by their original healthcare provider (up 7 points from a year ago).
• A 47-point gap exists between Black and White Americans on the statement: “My race determines the quality of care I receive.”
• 86% of Americans are ready to work with their doctors and health professionals to create change, yet 57% worry there won’t be systemic change for many years.

WOMEN UNPREPARED FOR RETIREMENT

Women remain at greater risk than men for failing to achieve a financially secure retirement, based on new Harris Poll research with the Transamerica Institute.

• Women workers dream of an active and fulfilling retirement, including travel (70%), spending more time with family and friends (60%) and pursuing hobbies (49%).
• Yet only 16% are “very confident” that they could fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle.
• Women have a median of $44,000 in total household retirement savings, with Boomer women saving more ($98,000, versus Gen X at $61,000, Millennials at $37,000 and Gen Z at 21%.
• Only 29% of women currently use a professional financial advisor, and fewer (17%) report frequently discussing saving, investing and retirement planning with friends and family.

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• 60% of Americans Worried About Holiday Porch Piracy
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• Gen Z Are Relying on Their Parents to Help Pick Health Insurance Plans

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

PARENTS GIVE AI FAILING GRADE

Parents are not fans of students using AI to complete their homework, based on the Harris Poll’s latest report on the tech industry.

• Only a third (36%) of adults think the use of generative AI tools for schoolwork has a positive impact on children’s learning experience (grades K-12).
• 79% say children are more likely than adults to struggle to identify misinformation created by generative AI tools.
• Regarding technology overall, only 39% of U.S. adults trust businesses to be responsible with handling their personal information.
• 28% have a worse opinion of an organization if it is involved in a data security event.
• 29% avoid working with organizations that have been involved in a known data security event.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES DIVIDE US

U.S. drivers are still split on whether they’re ready to take a ride in an autonomous vehicle, according to the Harris Poll’s annual AutoTECHCAST report, which collects and analyzes consumer insights on advanced automotive technologies and features.

• 51% of Americans would trust an autonomous vehicle (AV) today, and the same number would be willing to buy one.
• AV trust is highest among Gen Z and young Millennials (70%) and lowest among Boomers (30%).
• While only 6% have experienced fully autonomous vehicles, 79% said they were somewhat or much more comfortable with an AV after trying one.
• 34% have used driver assistance features, and 24% have driven partially autonomous vehicles.
• Looking at other new auto technology, 48% of Gen Z and young Millennials believe alcohol detection systems should be mandatory in vehicles (compared with 32% of Gen X and 20% of Boomers).
• Most highly demanded new auto tech: surround-car cameras (desired by 55.7%), low-speed collision avoidance (55.4%) and wireless mobile charging (54.3%).
• Still not in high demand: electric vehicles (desired by 31.9%, down from 33.6% a year ago), fuel cell vehicles (27.9%, down from 30.3%) and in-car payment systems (27.7%, down from 29.9%).

TOO MANY ADS

Consumers have reached the tipping point on advertisements that interrupt viewing and streaming – especially ads with the same message, according to our Harris Poll research with AD-ID.

• 49% have skipped a purchase from a brand due to repetitive ads during their viewing.
• 61% say they are less likely to buy products when inundated with advertisements.
• 59% say repeatedly seeing the same ads hurts their viewing experience.
• 3 in 4 consumers say they would like to see ads targeted at their interests.
• 33% don’t mind watching relevant ads.

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In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

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By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

LYING ABOUT VOTING

Half of Gen Z and nearly one in four U.S. voters overall have lied to people close to them about whom they’re voting for, according to our Harris Poll survey with Axios.

• 48% of Gen Z admit they have lied to someone close to them about whom they’ve voted for. That compares with 38% of Millennials, 17% of Gen X and 6% of Boomers.
• Overall, 23% admit to lying about their voting choice, and 22% say they potentially would lie.
• Men (30%) are twice as likely to lie about their vote than women (17%).
• 27% of Democrats acknowledge lying about voting, as do 24% of Republicans and 20% of independents.
• 58% of all voters say voting is a private matter.
• Being private – or even lying – helps preserve relationships: 33% of Americans say they are disenfranchised from some family members over politics. That rises to 44% for Gen Z and 47% for Millennials.

CEOs SAY ELECTION WILL CHANGE 2025 BUSINESS PLANS

4 in 5 CEOs expect the result of the U.S. elections will change their 2025 business strategy. Stagwell’s new “Priorities and Perspectives of the Global CEO” survey finds:

• 29% of CEOs expect a significant impact of the election on their business strategy, and 48% expect a moderate impact.
• 14% expect minor and 5% no impact.
• The biggest expected business strategy impacts include: immigration policy (31%), global trade (31%) and economic stability (27%).
• Global CEOs – all CEOs except those based in the U.S. – are split on which presidential candidate will better boost the global economy. Of global business leaders, 35% believe Vice President Harris and 30% believe former President Trump will be better for the economy.
• U.S. CEOs, however, strongly favor Trump (52%) to boost the global economy over Harris (15%).
• 35% of CEOs worldwide identify inflation as the most critical economic issue facing their countries, followed by consumer confidence (30%) and energy prices (25%).
• When it comes to global societal issues that businesses must help address, top needs are mental health (56%), financial stability (44%) and physical health (43%).

UNHAPPIER AMERICA

Americans are far less happy today than they were 16 years ago, when the Harris Poll first began analyzing public sentiment about interpersonal relationships, spirituality, health and work, according to our 2024 Happiness Index.

• Today, the Happiness Index stands at 31 overall, compared with 35 in 2008.
• The index is at 30 for men and 31 for women, compared with 33 for men and 36 for women in 2008.
• Least happy on the index are Gen Z members (at 27 today), followed by Millennials (28), Gen X (28) and Boomers (37).
• Dragging them down are relationships with family members (86% strongly or somewhat agree today versus 92% in 2008); relationships with friends (88% today versus 93% in 2008); spiritual beliefs as positive guiding forces (74% today versus 77% in 2008); and “I rarely worry about my health” (46% today versus 49% in 2008).

WHAT WE WANT IN FAST FOOD

Half of Americans (52%) order from quick-service restaurants at least once a week, and they would do so more with lower prices, discounts and larger portions, according to our latest Harris Poll research on the QSR industry.

• Frequent QSR diners – those ordering at least once per week – are primarily between the ages of 18 and 34 (65%), people of color (59% versus 48% for White Americans) and men (58%, versus 48% of women).
• The appeal of quick-service restaurants: it’s a treat for themselves or someone else (46%) or convenience and saving money (45%).
• QSR owners and operators looking to increase in-restaurant traffic should invest in cleanliness (cited as most important by 69%), service quality (63%) and speed (56%).

ICYMI:

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