These programs make recommendations based on purchase history, browsing behavior and demographics. They also sharpen the results from online product searches, adjust prices based on competitive factors, and improve product placement or promotions. AI-powered customer service can answer questions and take orders. AI can even enable apparel shoppers to virtually "try on" clothes to see if they'll fit.

This integration of AI with routine tasks of our everyday lives isn't new, but its ubiquity is growing. Voice-operated digital assistants like Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant remind us of appointments, tell us if it's cold outside and control smart devices at home. The ChatGPT program and its imitators help draft emails and term papers. AI-powered streaming platforms like Netflix and music services like Spotify make uncanny recommendations, sometimes seeming to know our interests better than we know ourselves.