Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between OpenAI and Walmart to launch conversational shopping features on the ChatGPT platform highlights a significant trend in AI and e-commerce, while China's AI e-commerce initiatives, such as Doubao, are still in a cautious testing phase [1][11][17] Group 1: Doubao's AI E-commerce Initiative - Doubao has introduced a feature allowing users to browse and purchase products through natural language conversations, similar to the ChatGPT and Walmart collaboration [1] - Merchants on Douyin have expressed uncertainty regarding Doubao's product recommendation mechanism, viewing it primarily as an advertising tool [2][4] - Some merchants have not noticed significant changes in traffic or sales linked to Doubao's new feature, indicating a need for further observation [6] Group 2: Consumer Reactions - Consumer responses are divided into two main groups: those who firmly reject AI recommendations due to distrust and habitual shopping methods, and those who are hesitant but open to considering AI recommendations if they offer good value [9][10] - A small sample of consumers showed a lack of trust in AI recommendations, with concerns about accountability if prices change after recommendations [10] Group 3: Market Context and Challenges - The Chinese e-commerce landscape is characterized by highly integrated platforms like Taobao and Douyin, which already provide seamless shopping experiences, making the introduction of standalone conversational shopping features less appealing [13][14] - Experts suggest that the cautious approach of Chinese platforms towards conversational shopping stems from concerns about model reliability and the potential negative impact on user trust and conversion rates [15][16] - The current low acceptance of AI e-commerce among consumers and merchants indicates that further refinement and adaptation to user habits are necessary for successful implementation [17]