* "Look to" typically implies a goal, intention, or expectation of doing something.
* Example: "We look to increase our market share this year."
* "Be interested in" expresses curiosity, desire, or attraction towards something.
* Example: "I'm interested in learning more about sustainable living."
While there may be contexts where "look to" can be used informally to indicate interest, it's not a direct replacement for "be interested in." There's no specific historical shift in popularity regarding this phrase.
It's more likely that the usage of "look to" in informal situations is influenced by the increasing popularity of business jargon and the tendency to adopt more concise language.
However, it's important to remember that using "look to" to express interest can be perceived as awkward or even incorrect by some. It's best to stick with "be interested in" for clarity and accuracy.