Core Insights - The article discusses significant changes in consumer habits in China under the influence of AI, analyzing how AI reshapes consumption decision-making paths, consumption stratification, and equity issues, including whether AI exacerbates consumption gaps [1] - It highlights the differences in consumption patterns between urban and rural areas, emphasizing that urban high-income groups adapt more quickly to AI technologies, while rural low-income groups remain focused on basic survival needs [2][3] - The research employs compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and consumption elasticity calculations to compare consumption differences across urban and rural areas during different stages of AI penetration [3][4] Urban vs. Rural Consumption Differences - Urban residents, particularly high-income groups, have better education and digital literacy, leading to quicker adaptation to AI technologies and a shift towards high-end products and services [2] - Rural low-income groups exhibit weaker consumption habit effects, relying on survival rationality and showing slower AI penetration, primarily focusing on basic living expenses [2][8] Stages of AI Impact and Consumption Elasticity - The impact of AI on consumption is gradual, with long-term data smoothing out short-term fluctuations. The study divides AI's influence into two stages: initial (2020-2022) and mature (2022-2024) [3][4] - Consumption elasticity is calculated for various categories, revealing differences in responsiveness to income changes between urban and rural residents across the two stages [4][5] Urban Residents: Basic vs. Quality Consumption - In the initial stage, urban residents prioritize improving living conditions and essential goods, leading to high consumption elasticity. In the mature stage, as basic needs become saturated, elasticity decreases [6][10] - The transition from survival needs to quality pursuits in urban areas results in increased elasticity for categories like transportation and education, driven by income growth and enhanced AI applications [7][10] Rural Residents: Saturation and Activation of Developmental Consumption - Rural residents experience a saturation effect in basic consumption as income rises, leading to reduced elasticity in essential goods. However, there is a growing demand for quality-driven consumption in the mature stage [8][12] - The digitalization of rural areas and improved infrastructure stimulate new consumption patterns, such as online education and smart devices, enhancing responsiveness to income changes [9][12] Banking Strategies for Urban and Rural Residents - For urban residents, banks should shift focus from traditional consumer credit for basic needs to customized financial services for quality consumption, such as smart home products and health management services [10][11] - For rural residents, banks can provide small, short-term loans for essential goods while enhancing digital payment solutions and promoting financial services to meet the growing demand for quality-driven consumption [12][13] Conclusion - AI technology profoundly influences consumer habits in China, reshaping decision-making processes and highlighting urban-rural disparities. The findings indicate a transition from basic consumption to quality consumption in urban areas, while rural areas experience a shift from saturation in basic needs to activation of developmental consumption [14]

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 China Consumer Economy Forum emphasized the importance of innovative consumption and the role of financial technology in enhancing consumer experiences and driving economic growth [1] Group 1: Forum Highlights - The forum was organized by the Consumer Daily and supported by platforms like Black Cat Complaints and Qichacha, gathering government leaders, industry experts, and executives to discuss new quality production and consumption trends [1] - Key topics included the development of new quality productivity in private enterprises and strategies to enhance the consumer market under high-quality development [1] Group 2: Yihanghua's Role - Yihanghua, a financial technology brand under Yiren Zhike, provides online personal consumption credit loans and installment services, linking various stakeholders to stimulate consumer spending [3] - The platform has successfully activated consumption market dynamics through digital innovation, lowering consumption barriers and addressing county-level consumer needs [3][4] - Yihanghua's services have reached over 300 prefecture-level and 2,600 county-level administrative regions, providing nearly 10 billion in financing needs across various industries [5] Group 3: Technological Innovation - Yihanghua has built a technology support system centered on artificial intelligence and cloud computing, enhancing service efficiency with a self-developed intelligent risk control system [3] - The platform aims to create a win-win financial technology ecosystem by deepening technological applications and focusing on user needs [3][5] Group 4: Support for Small and Micro Enterprises - Yihanghua assists small and micro businesses by providing financial support to alleviate short-term cash flow issues, thereby stimulating consumer demand and enhancing the overall market environment [4] - The platform focuses on inclusive financial services, ensuring equal access to financial resources for individuals and small enterprises [4][5]