AI, Authenticity and Attention What Consumers Want Now and What It Means for Communicators
Consumers today are navigating one of the most complex information environments in modern history. AI-generated content is accelerating production at scale. Misinformation continues to blur the lines between fact and fiction. And an always-on digital ecosystem is making it harder than ever for brands to break through and build trust.
In response, audiences are evolving.
They are becoming more selective about where they spend their attention, more skeptical about what they consume, and more intentional about the experiences they seek out. For communicators, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
New insights from HUNTER’s 2026 Annual Consumer Trends report point to a clear direction. Consumers are searching for authenticity. They are moving beyond surface-level engagement and looking for content, brands and experiences that feel real, credible and meaningful.
At the same time, many are stepping away from the constant scroll in favor of deeper, more substantive interactions. The quick dopamine hit of social media is no longer enough. There is growing demand for knowledge, perspective and connection.
Another emerging signal is the rise of “Fourth Spaces,” hybrid environments that blend digital and in-person experiences. These spaces are redefining how communities form and how brands engage with audiences in ways that feel both immersive and human.
Alongside this, consumers are embracing moments of surprise and play in everyday life while also pushing wellness and self-optimization to new levels. Taken together, these trends reflect a broader shift toward intentionality, balance and authenticity in how people live, consume and connect.
For communications and marketing leaders, the implications are significant.
Earning attention is no longer just about reach or frequency. It is about relevance. Building trust is no longer about messaging alone. It is about credibility, consistency and human connection. And storytelling must evolve to reflect a more discerning, experience-driven audience.
To explore what these shifts mean in practice, CommPRO and HUNTER: INTELLIGENCE are bringing together leading strategists for a virtual Midday Intelligence Briefing.
The session will unpack the most important consumer trends shaping behavior today and offer practical insights into how brands can show up in ways that resonate in this new environment.
The conversation will feature:
Heddy DeMaria, Chief Insights and Strategy Officer, who leads HUNTER’s data-driven approach to building culturally relevant and results-oriented communications strategies
Jennifer Upshaw, EVP Strategic Planning, who connects brand purpose with evolving consumer expectations
Archana Iyer, EVP Strategic Planning, known for blending data and storytelling to create strategies that move culture forward
Maddie Lena, Director of Strategic Planning, who helps executives build authentic, high-impact thought leadership platforms
Lila Hutcherson, Creative Strategist, who brings audience insights to life through innovative storytelling and creative direction
Together, they will explore how communicators can navigate AI disruption, cut through digital noise and build trust in a rapidly changing landscape.
For anyone working in communications, marketing, investor relations or brand strategy, this conversation offers a timely look at what audiences expect now and how to meet them in ways that feel credible, relevant and human.
Register now to join the Midday Intelligence Briefing and gain the insights needed to navigate the next wave of consumer behavior.
