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The latest trends in society and culture from The Harris Poll
Good afternoon from NYC!
One Interesting Number: 80. Despite the temptation to game the AI screening, it still pays to keep your resume honest: Eighty percent of U.S. hiring managers we surveyed describe a disconnect between candidates’ resumes and their IRL skills…Like this self-proclaimed forklift operator, who took out a whole warehouse shelf on his first day.
Astrology Is The New Career Counselor
Libra Sun, Libra Moon, Scorpio Rising. Astrology today is more than just star signs and zodiac charts, but a booming business, according to our new survey with Fast Company.
- What we found: Most Americans (70%) believe in astrology, and nearly a third (29%) are paying monthly for astrological services for things like career advice.
- The stat you can’t ignore: There’s a lot of cheddar in Capricorn: Industry reports project that the astrology industry will top $22 billion by 2031.
- What to consider: Brand-Astrology activations are rampant. There’s Dior’s zodiac-themed line, curated Spotify playlists based on zodiac signs, astrology influencers, and more than 6 million videos with #astrology.
What this means: In a growing culture of manifestation practices, this millennia-old belief system is ever more mainstream and marketable. When today’s systems feel rigged, people start betting on themselves: like the 41% of Gen Z/MLS who would hire Etsy witches and astrologers. The brands winning in this environment provide a sense of community and possibility in times of uncertainty and turmoil.
Stress in The Server Stack: CIOs Have Until Midyear To Prove AI Value
Our new global study with Dataiku reveals mounting CIO scrutiny as AI performance gaps and vendor regret collide.
- What we found: Three-quarters of global CIOs (74%) regret a major AI platform selection over the last year and a half, and nearly two-thirds (62%) have been questioned or challenged by their CEOs over vendor choices.
- The stat you can’t ignore: Seven in ten (71%) say AI budgets are likely to be cut or frozen if targets aren’t hit by mid-2026.
- What to consider: Employees worry about being replaced by AI, and now CIOs fear AI shortfalls could do the same. Most CIOs (71%) say their roles are at risk if their companies don’t deliver measurable business gains from AI over the next two years.
What this means: The honeymoon is over. And CIOs know it. Despite years of experimentation and investment, many CIOs now admit the foundation is shakier than it looks. “CIOs are moving from experimentation into accountability faster than most organizations expected,” said Florian Douetteau, co-founder and CEO of Dataiku.
Pet Services Costs Climb 1.3x Faster Than Child Care
Why is there surge pricing for dog walking? It may cost more to care for a child, but pet care prices are rising faster in our new Harris Poll.
- What we found: Two in five Gen Z and Millennials (42%) prefer pets to children as they view them as less financially burdensome. However, their maths ain’t working:
- The stat you can’t ignore: Yet, since 2020, pet services costs have increased 34.6% compared to the 25.8% rise in child care prices, according to the Consumer Price Index.
- What to consider: The booming growth in pet spending really shows pets have become part of the family, with the overall pet industry reaching ~$157 billion in 2025.
What this means: From boarding to pet sitting and training to grooming, Fido is being well taken care of, but it’s coming at a cost. Especially in an economy where everyday consumers feel that all their bills are rising. One budgeting adjustment? Skipping your own little treats for dog and cat treats: 60% of Gen Z/MLS pet owners prioritize spending on their pet(s) over themselves.
