The Influence of Generative AI and Digital Clones on Consumer Trust and Ethical Perception in Advertising

Objective: Digital clones and generative AI have become ground-breaking technologies in the advertising industry because they provide increased customisation, allowing companies to produce highly targeted ads that speak to the consumers’ needs. The extensive use of AI and digital clones raises serious questions about customer trust and ethical attitudes in advertising, despite the potential advantages. With an emphasis on the roles of authenticity, transparency, and manipulation, this study investigates how these technologies affect customer views. Methodology: This study used a secondary research method, analyzing scholarly articles, industry reports, and case studies to explore how generative AI and digital clones impact consumer trust and ethical perceptions in advertising. Finding: The study emphasizes that although AI-generated ads are typically accepted when they seem genuine and transparent, there are worries about their realism, particularly when digital clones are employed, which can cause unease and damage credibility. According to the findings, advertisers must put transparency and ethical responsibility first in order to preserve consumer confidence, even while AI offers a potential way to improve customer engagement. Suggestions: In order to overcome these obstacles, the paper ends with suggestions for legislators and advertisers that support moral behaviour that upholds consumer rights and fosters authenticity.