Consumer Reactions to AI-Generated Books in an Evolving Market

Problem and Aim

The rapid rise of generative AI is transforming industries by enabling the faster, cheaper, and more scalable production of digital and physical products. AI is projected to contribute nearly $7 trillion to global GDP and boost productivity growth by 1.5% over the next decade. One sector already undergoing this transformation is publishing, where AI-generated books are increasingly appearing on major platforms. With minimal production costs and rapid content generation, AI-written books have the potential to flood the market—raising critical questions about consumer perception, trust, and purchasing behavior.

This research focuses on the demand-side implications of the growing presence of AI-generated books. As AI-written books become more common and their AI origins are disclosed, how will consumers react? Currently, AI-generated books often mimic traditional human-authored works. However, as the distinction between AI and human creativity becomes more apparent, consumer preferences may shift in unpredictable ways.

Key Research Questions

• Consumer Perception & Behavior: How do consumers perceive and respond to AI-generated books when they are explicitly labeled as such? Will they react differently to AI-written books compared to identical human-written books?
• Psychological Drivers of Preference: What underlying mechanisms (e.g., perceived creativity, quality, effort, curiosity) explain consumer preferences for or against AI-generated books?
• Heterogeneity in Reactions: Which factors (e.g., demographics, prior experience with AI, openness to technology) influence consumer responses? Will these factors persist as AI-generated content becomes more mainstream?

Approach

To explore these questions, this study employs a within- and between-subject design, where participants will compare books labeled as AI-written versus human-written. By testing real consumer reactions in a controlled yet realistic setting, the study aims to capture genuine shifts in perception and behavior while investigating underlying psychological mechanisms.

Why This Matters

As AI-generated books become increasingly affordable and abundant, they could disrupt traditional publishing, influence reading habits, and challenge conventional notions of authorship and creativity. Understanding how and why consumers react to this transition is crucial for publishers, regulators, and AI developers seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-driven content creation.