Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM: Campus Center Auditorium [A7]

Behavioral Marketing, Profit Maximization, and Ethical Risk in AI-Driven Markets

Presenter: Evie Rose Parent

Faculty Sponsor: Jean Kennedy

School: Quinsigamond Community College

Research Area: Business & Economics

ABSTRACT

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has led to unprecedented levels of consumer data collection through social media engagement, search histories, and online interactions. As companies now rely on artificial intelligence to collect consumer data and analyze behavioral patterns, the line between curated marketing and emotional manipulation becomes increasingly blurred. While consumers voluntarily offer information subjecting themselves to curated marketing, the asymmetry of algorithmic marketing undermines a consumer’s true autonomy. Persuasive marketing has long been embedded in commerce, but with the introduction of AI, the capacity to anticipate emotional vulnerability and exploit cognitive bias has reached a level that was previously unattainable. Regulatory agencies are struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies, resulting in limited legal frameworks governing data usage and emotional marketing. Drawing from interdisciplinary research on behavioral business ethics and technology studies, as well as analysis of recent corporate scandals involving unethical data practices, this study examines the ethical implications of AI-driven consumer influence. As digital interaction continues to expand, the absence of comprehensive regulations risks eroding consumer trust and destabilizing market integrity. This research argues that updated ethical standards and proactive governance are necessary to prevent exploitation and preserve consumer autonomy in an increasingly algorithmic economy.

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