South Africa, Jan. 28 -- On one side, AI and automation are rapidly reshaping the world of commerce, as AI moves from assistant to agent.

The other branch shows that, for every boardroom-sanctioned trend technology enables, there's an anti-trend that's stubbornly, nonsensically human.

3 trends and anti -trends

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Even in the optional cookies and PoPI era, AI-enabled data processing means personalisation like never before, allowing customers to feel seen and. somewhat stalked. Humans are rebelling by pushing back against hyper-curated nudges and are seeking out surprise, spontaneity and serendipity.

Unpredictability has become attractive and wild buying is on the rise. "When AI knows us too well, a human reflex kicks in,"...