Nearly 80% of Americans experienced issues with products or services in 2025, with about two-thirds expressing feelings of "rage." Contributing factors include overcharges, customer service difficulties, poor product quality, and billing errors amid rising prices and inflation.

AI-generated content is increasingly perceived as generic and inauthentic by consumers, leading to a backlash against 'AI-first' brands. Marketers are finding that emotional connections and authenticity are more important than efficiency in brand messaging.