The 4 types of AI agent person backed by Salesforce survey data. Learn how to tailor your AI agent strategies for better engagement, personalization, and digital transformation.

AI agents are rapidly emerging as the next frontier in Digital Transformation, helping consumers and businesses alike automate tasks, uncover insights, and achieve more with less effort. A recent Salesforce survey of 2,552 U.S. consumers identifies four distinct personas driving AI agent adoption and offers a roadmap for businesses to deliver tailored, high value experiences.

The Four AI Agent Personas

1. Smarty Pants (43%)

These data-driven users demand deep analysis and clear explanations before making decisions.

  • 53% want AI to break down complex information into digestible insights.
  • 54% thoroughly research new tools before adoption.

2. Minimalist (22%)

Preferring simplicity, they seek AI to “clean up” tasks and reduce decision fatigue.

  • 37% look for agents that streamline decisions and lighten their workload.
  • 64% belong to Gen X/Baby Boomer cohorts; 58% feel uneasy with complex AI tools.

3. Lifehacker (16%)

Efficiency enthusiasts who use AI as a personal productivity manager.

  • 52% want AI to help them accomplish tasks faster.
  • 55% constantly aim to “do more in less time.”

4. Tastemaker (15%)

Trendsetters craving bespoke recommendations tailored to their unique tastes.

  • 40% desire AI-curated suggestions for shows, restaurants, and products.
  • 51% prefer personalized tips over generic advice; 54% are Gen Z/Millennials.

Top AI Agent Use Cases & Adoption Stats

Personal Assistance & Time Savings: 44% of U.S. consumers—and 70% of Gen Z are eager to use AI as a virtual assistant. ​

AI-Powered Shopping: 24% comfortable letting agents shop on their behalf, rises to 32% among Gen Z.

Career & Job Search Support: 44% would tap AI to find job matches, 68% of Gen Z would rely on it.

Health & Wellness Guidance: 43% interested in AI-driven meal planning, 61% of Gen Z would follow its advice.

Business Implications & Opportunities

  1. Persona-Driven Segmentation: Craft AI agent features that resonate with each user type.
  2. Product Roadmapping: Prioritize functionalities analytics for Smarty Pants, simplicity for Minimalists, efficiency tools for LifeHackers, curated experiences for Tastemakers.
  3. Marketing Messaging: Tailor value propositions: “Deep insights” – “One-click ease” – “Speed and productivity” – “Personalized discovery.”
  4. Customer Experience: Build emotionally intelligent agents that anticipate user needs and reinforce brand trust.

Conclusion

Understanding your customers’ AI agent personas is essential for successful Digital Transformation. By aligning development and marketing strategies to these four user types, businesses can maximize engagement, deliver deeper Tech Insights, and drive sustainable Business growth.

Source: ZDNet’s “The 4 types of people interested in AI agents—and what businesses can learn from them”