And how your business can capitalize on this growing trend..
As AI continues to permeate daily life, it’s now reshaping the health and wellness industry in ways we never imagined. While some aspects of this industry may feel resistant to change, others are pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. One of the most controversial examples comes from Deepak Chopra, a renowned figure in alternative medicine, who recently introduced an AI version of himself. This digital twin allows users to:
Chopra’s bold move has ignited polarizing reactions. Some believe this innovation could revolutionize a traditionally tech-resistant practice, while others worry it could erode the deeply human connection central to meditation.
To uncover how people really feel about innovations like Chopra’s AI-powered meditation tool, Glimpse surveyed 228 Americans. We explored their opinions, habits and beliefs to determine whether wellness brands should be implementing AI into their business strategy—and if so, exactly who to target—or if there are truly some industries that are better left in its traditional form.
Segmented by those already familiar with Chopra, we asked “What comes to mind when you think of Deepak Chopra?” This question revealed a range of attitudes and associations. Using Glimpse’s word cloud visualization, which highlights the most frequently mentioned words and incorporates color coding to convey sentiment, we gained insight into how Chopra is generally perceived.
Appeals and Concerns
Overall, respondents showed a surprising openness to Chopra’s AI-powered meditation tool, with 31% saying they’re either likely or very likely to try it. This points to a promising opportunity for businesses in the health and wellness industry. However, preferences varied significantly, reflecting a diverse range of needs, concerns, and desires.
The primary appeal of integrating AI into meditation is its potential to increase accessibility. About 45% of respondents highlighted the opportunity to broaden access to meditation, making resources more affordable and customizable to fit individual paths towards mental health and mindfulness.
However, this innovation also brings challenges that must be addressed for broader acceptance. Across the data, a recurring concern centers on the perceived lack of human connection when AI tools are involved in meditation. This is the primary concern highlighted by respondents, with nearly half indicating this issue as significant.
AI integration could broaden meditation’s reach to those previously unexposed, as meditation’s intrinsically religious roots may be intimidating for new audiences. While some see this as a way to make meditation more inclusive and accessible, others worry about potential exploitation or cultural appropriation. Despite polarizing views, the overall positive sentiment suggests significant potential for AI in this space, highlighting the need for more targeted approaches.
Who should be targeted and who should be avoided?
Using Glimpse’s AI Analytics feature, we analyzed the survey results with a key focus: identify the ideal target audience. The data revealed several key demographics that are primed for AI-driven meditation tools. These optimal groups include:
Gen Z and Millennials; Avoid Older Generations
A substantial part of the respondent pool that listed they were skeptical or uninterested in using AI for meditation is aged 65 and over (35.5%) and 55-64 (18.4%), indicating older generations are more likely to oppose this advancement. For Gen Z and millennials, their tech-savvy nature makes them more open to AI-driven experiences, positioning these groups as ideal audiences for brands looking to modernize meditation.
Halal, Gluten-free and Vegan dieters; Avoid Low Fat
Respondents who are practicing Halah, gluten-free or vegan diets demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood to embrace AI-based meditation experiences—Practicers of Halal as high as 80% favoring this new product. On the contrary, those following low-fat diets are notably less inclined towards AI solutions, highlighted by only 30% showing positive reception. Halal, gluten-free, and vegan dieters tend to prioritize holistic and mindful lifestyle choices, which could explain this notable overlap in interest.
South & West Regions; Avoid Midwest
Based on the analysis of regional differences, targeting should prioritize the South and West regions, as both regions exhibit a relatively high likelihood to try Chopra’s AI-powered meditation, with 35% (South) and 30% (West) indicating they are Likely or Very likely to try Chopra’s product. Contrastingly, the Midwest region displayed the highest percentage of Very unlikely responses at 41%, and therefore should be avoided. This divide is likely due to the Midwest’s predominantly traditional values as opposed to the South and West.
Unexpected Target Demographic: Males
The analysis reveals that males are more receptive to AI-generated tools for emotional support (21%) and guided meditation (26%) compared to females, who show a higher preference for human-made options. This is likely due to gendered norms and socialization that emphasize stoicism and emotional regulation among men, while women are not only allowed to but expected to lean on more personal, relational forms of support that align with traditional caregiving roles.
As these gender stereotypes continue to be challenged, now is a crucial moment for meditation and wellness brands to engage spiritually curious men who are open to meditation guidance but may prefer the anonymity and efficiency of AI-driven tools over human interaction. This presents an untapped opportunity to cater to a growing demographic seeking personal growth through technology.
For optimal ROI on ad spend, spiritual and meditation companies utilizing AI should target Gen Z and millennials, Halal, gluten-free and vegan dieters, South and West regions, and males—depending on their product, goals and angle. These are just some of the conclusions made by Glimpse’s AI Analytics feature, which draws from first-party data in its analysis, allowing you to gather hyper-personalized insights for any research question you have.
Takeaways for Wellness Brands
Utilizing Glimpse’s AI Conversation feature, we asked “How exactly can wellness brands implement this data into their marketing strategy?” Pulled directly from the platform, here are some of the valuable insights:
By implementing these strategies, wellness brands can effectively leverage these data-backed insights to enhance adoption and user satisfaction with their AI-powered meditation tools. See how you can use Glimpse’s software to discern strategies, insights and opportunities for your own business inquiries!
Finding the Perfect Balance: What Does This Tell Us?
Integrating AI into something as deeply personal as meditation highlights the transformative potential of AI, signaling its profound impact across industries in the years to come. The key challenges for brands will be finding the right balance between technology and tradition. Some consumers may embrace AI for its accessibility and customization, while others will resist the erosion of human connection. To understand your audience is to understand which pool they fall in, and can therefore be tailored accordingly. Whether exploring sentiment analysis, open-ended responses, or future research, Glimpse helps brands stay ahead of trends, identifying shifts in audience attitudes and behaviors in real-time.
The line between human and machine won’t be universally drawn—it will be determined individually by each consumer. Brands that adapt to this nuance, offering AI tools that feel personal rather than mechanical, will lead the charge in this evolving market. Ultimately, AI has the power to make meditation mainstream, reaching new audiences that traditional methods could not. However, to fully unlock this transformative power, brands must strike a crucial balance: preserving the deeply human essence of meditation while leveraging the immense advantages that AI brings. Doing so has the potential to not only lead the wellness industry, but redefine how people experience personal growth and mindfulness in the digital age.
Discover how Glimpse’s powerful insights and analytics can elevate your business strategy today!
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