Research question
Do recommendations from conversational AI systems function as algorithmic influencers — shifting preference, consideration and choice?
Motivation
Users increasingly ask AI systems what to buy. The persuasive weight of those answers has direct consequences for markets and for consumer autonomy.
Conceptual background
Connects literature on recommender systems, source credibility, algorithm aversion/appreciation and influencer marketing.
Research approach
Controlled and online experiments measuring perceived credibility, consideration sets and final choice.
Potential academic contribution
A theoretical lens positioning LLMs as a distinct class of influence agent in digital commerce.
Practical business relevance
Clarifies how brands become visible and trusted inside AI-generated answers.
This is a working description of research in progress. No findings, publication venues or results are claimed.