There was a time in the early 2000s where chatter about self check out machines was the only thing heard in the grocery stores. The idea of bagging our own groceries sent some customers into a tail spin. For some, their innate sense of not wanting change was being challenged. At some point the conversations did not ward off the inevitable change that the Great Recession solidifed. Businesses wanted to cut costs and saw the results from installing a few machines into their store locations. In some way our introduction to AI feels familiar to this past experience.
CAN AI REPLACE US?
In On Writing Well, Zinsser gave his answer that no matter what new marvels are made to make writing twice as easy it wouldn’t make the writing good. It is for the same reason that AI sourced content stands out during our scrolling. Whether the content is written or electronic, it still has to have a human pulse to it.
Alvaras Tumas’s article touched on the disadvantages of AI in Social Media. He mentioned that due to AI’s nature to analyze data patterns and make data-driven decisions. AI is only as good as the data it is given.
For there to be connection, creativity must be present. How well a creator masters their self expression is the spark that gains the attention of others. This can not be faked, it can not be replicated and it is something that consumers will not settle on.
INSPIRED NOT ANXIOUS
I just completed my research on how to combat creative burnout which revealed what profit forward values have made possible. Platforms rewarding “engagement” rather than how well a creator exercises their craft, makes the act of creating numerical. It is important for creators to engage in work that brings fufillment to their lives. This is why creating content that connects with consumers versus tricking them into engaging is the best edge for a creator to have.
There has been a call to action directed at creators to create content out of good will. This means taking into account how our work will affect consumers and doing what is needed to ensure it has a positive effect. The creators who answer this challenge, will be met with potential growth and an active journey along their creative path.