Consumers overwhelmingly prefer human interaction over artificial intelligence (AI) when engaging with service-based companies, a recent ServiceForge survey found. The survey revealed that, while technology can improve efficiency, consumers still place greater trust in human representatives when seeking help, resolving issues, and making purchasing decisions.

Among the most significant findings, 87% of respondents said they would rather speak with a real person than an AI system when contacting a local home service. Additionally, four out of five respondents said they would choose a business where a human answers the phone over one relying on AI or automated systems.

The survey also highlights the following concerns about AI in customer interactions.

• 62% do not trust AI to take the correct action during an emergency service situation that requires a tradesperson.
• 71% believe human representatives demonstrate more empathy than AI.
• 73% said they would be more loyal to companies that rely on people rather than AI for customer service interactions.
• 82% have requested to speak with a human instead of an AI agent or chatbot, with most saying they have done so multiple times.
• 61% report frustration when they must explain their issue to AI before being transferred to a human representative.

The research further suggests that human interactions have a measurable impact on business reputation and customer retention. More than half of respondents said they are more likely to leave a review after a positive interaction with a person.

Consumers also expressed concerns about transparency. Eighty-five percent believe businesses should clearly disclose when customers are interacting with AI, while 81% consider it an ethical issue when AI systems present themselves as human representatives.

Illinois is outpacing the country with tornado activity this year and racing to set a record for the state, according to the Daily Herald.

Recent tornado activity in the Chicago suburbs contributed to 140 confirmed tornadoes so far in 2026, according to an Illinois State University researcher. The record was set in 2024 with 142. By this time in 2024, Illinois only had 87 tornadoes.

This year, the next closest state to Illinois’ number is Mississippi with 82 preliminary tornado reports. Illinois’ neighboring states, Missouri and Iowa, also have seen heightened activity. However, Texas and Oklahoma are well below average for their tornado activity this year.

New confirmations could emerge at any time as the National Weather Service assesses reports from June 11, when at least 21 tornadoes hit Illinois.

Records from the National Weather Service’s Chicago forecast area, which includes 23 Illinois and Indiana counties, show 47 tornadoes in the region so far in 2026. That’s compared to 25 for the entirety of 2025.

During the last four years, Illinois experienced at least 100 twisters annually, but prior to that the state’s average was around 50 to 60 tornadoes.