The Transformation of Marketing from Traditional to AI: A Study of the Perception of Gen Z

The marketing landscape has seen radical transformations throughout history, from product- focused approaches to customer-centric strategies. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in reshaping how businesses interact with consumers. This paper examines the history and evolution of marketing, AI, and generational shifts, with an emphasis on Generation Z, the first digital-native generation. We explore how AI-driven marketing strategies resonate with Gen Z and their ethical concerns about privacy. Finally, we introduce the concept of "Generation AI," predicting an even deeper integration of AI into consumer behavior. The study focuses on the Indian market, analyzing how AI is influencing marketing strategies and reshaping the interaction between businesses and Gen Z consumers.