The ethics of emotional AI: Should machines build consumer trust?

AI is increasingly mediating relationships between brands and consumers where emotional AI is a powerful tool to understand and influence consumer behavior. But with this power comes responsibility: Can—and should—AI be trusted to build authentic relationships with consumers?

This session explores the ethical implications of emotional AI in marketing, focusing on privacy, transparency, and trust-building. Attendees will gain insights into how organizations can responsibly leverage AI to foster meaningful consumer connections while navigating the challenges of personalization, data governance, and ethical decision-making.

This talk is designed for:

- Data Professionals: Those involved in data governance, AI strategy, or compliance who want to understand the ethical considerations of using AI in consumer-facing applications. - Marketing Leaders: Marketers and CMOs looking to integrate AI into their campaigns while maintaining authenticity and trust. - Business Leaders: Executives seeking guidance on balancing innovation with ethical practices in consumer engagement.

Attendees can expect to walk away with: - Actionable Insights: Practical strategies for implementing emotional AI responsibly in marketing campaigns while adhering to privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). - Frameworks for Ethical AI: A clear understanding of how to evaluate and mitigate risks associated with emotional AI, including bias, manipulation, and data misuse. - Trust-Building Techniques: Best practices for fostering consumer trust through transparency and ethical personalization at scale. - Future Trends: A forward-looking perspective on how emotional AI will shape marketing strategies and consumer relationships over the next decade.

Actions Attendees Can Apply Immediately: - Audit Current Practices: Assess existing marketing campaigns for ethical risks related to personalization and emotional targeting. - Develop Governance Policies: Create or refine governance frameworks that address the use of emotional AI in consumer engagement. - Enhance Transparency: Implement communication strategies that clearly explain how AI is used in consumer interactions to build trust. - Collaborate Across Teams: Foster collaboration between data teams and marketers to ensure alignment on ethical AI use.

This session will provide attendees with both the philosophical lens to evaluate the "should" questions of emotional AI and the practical tools to implement responsible strategies that drive business growth while maintaining consumer trust.