Two new studies reveal a paradox: Americans are vulnerable to AI manipulation on things that shape our democracy (politics), but ultra-cautious when it comes to things that shape their personal financial future.
Study #1 (Science journal): 19% of AI claims were “predominantly inaccurate”, yet people were persuaded anyway.
Study #2 (InvestorsObserver survey): 95% of investors with $500,000+ portfolios refuse to act on AI recommendations without human verification.
What does this tell you?
Americans protect their wallets better than they protect their democracy.
What people verify reveals what they truly value.
The “past performance” problem: AI optimizes based on historical data (works for politics, fails for portfolios).
Tech firms are probably building tools for persuasion, not accuracy.
Read the full InvestorsObvserver’s report here.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Sam Bourgi, a senior analyst at InvestorsObserver.
Why is there a disconnect between how much Americans trust AI for news vs. financial decisions?
Americans are more wary of AI with money than with news because financial mistakes can cost them real savings, retirement security, and debt problems, so the stakes feel much higher than just reading a bad article or changing political views.
What are some ways that AI can be helpful with money management?
AI can help with tracking spending and building simple budgets automatically, spotting patterns, fees, or better deals you might miss, like cheaper subscriptions or higher-interest savings, and giving quick, basic explanations of investing, loans, and taxes so people can learn the basics faster.
What are some things that people need to be cautious about when it comes to AI and finances?
AI can be confidently wrong or use outdated data, which can lead to bad financial moves. Aso, it does not know your full life story, emotions, or goals, so its advice may not fit your real situation. Besides, scammers can use AI to create fake “advisors” or convincing messages that push risky or fraudulent schemes.
ABOUT SAM BOURGI
Sam Bourgi is a finance analyst and researcher at InvestorsObserver, bringing over 13 years of expertise in financial markets, economics, and monetary policy. His professional background spans the private, nonprofit, and public sectors, where he has held positions such as senior policy adviser, labor market analyst, and marketing director. Sam’s in-depth research and market analysis have been referenced by leading institutions and organizations, including the U.S. Congress, Department of Justice, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Bank for International Settlements, Boston University Law Review, Barron’s, and Forbes. Sam regularly appears on TV, including CBN, KFYR TV, 11Alive, and ABC30, and is often quoted by such media outlets as the SF Chronicle and MSN.
ABOUT INVESTORS OBSERVER
InvestorsObserver is a trusted source of independent financial analysis, market insights, and investment research for individuals and institutions. Founded to empower retail investors with actionable intelligence, InvestorsObserver delivers timely commentary, data-driven studies, and accessible financial tools designed to simplify complex market trends. Its research and insights have been featured by various media outlets, including Yahoo, The Guardian, Morning Star, Nasdaq, and more.
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