AI is a hot topic at the moment. It has gained traction and built momentum, to the point where people have become fearful that AI is going to replace humans in the workplace.

AI is faster, more efficient and more cost-effective than manually creating content. But it will never replace the originality and individuality of humans and the richness of experience and storytelling that we bring to the table.

AI can only use information that already exists on the internet, so the work it produces can only be as good as the sources it’s using. As we know, the internet is rife with thoughts and opinions of people, rather than factually correct information that has been verified to be true.

Then of course, there’s the argument about bias.

BIAS IN AI

In 2019, Harvard Business Review published an article with the headline: what do we do about biases in AI? which takes a closer look at how algorithms can be programmed to be biassed. It says:

“Bias can creep into algorithms in several ways. AI systems learn to make decisions based on training data, which can include biassed human decisions or reflect historical or social inequities, even if sensitive variables, such as gender, race or sexual orientation are removed.”

In a world that seems more fractured and fragmented than ever, can we rely on the results that AI produces as being fair, just and unbiased?

As the HBR article says; “bias reduces the potential of AI for business and society by encouraging mistrust and producing distorted results. Business and organisational leaders need to ensure AI they use improves on human decision making, and they have a responsibility to encourage progress on research and standards that will reduce bias in AI.”

Then of course we have to question the authenticity of AI.

Human beings are flawed. We’re ruled by feelings and emotions which drive our behaviour and our beliefs. We can be real and raw and honest, but a machine cannot. AI is centred around machine-learning. A machine doesn’t understand emotions, nuances or context.

THE IMPACT OF AI ON AUTHENTICITY

Since the rise in popularity of social media channels to share information, we have to question the validity of the information we’re being shown.

The mainstream media, while often criticised for the way they present world news to us, does have a code of conduct and ethical practices they have to adhere to. The same rules do not apply to social media, where anyone can generate and share fake news but make it look authentic.

Anyone with a phone can go live and share their opinions on what’s going on in the world, or create content that feeds into their own bias. On the flip side, media outlets have to remain balanced and unbiased (although the political persuasion of the publishers can skew how they report world news, but that’s another topic for another time)

As the end user, we’re having to work so much harder to distinguish between truth and fiction and who we can or can’t trust, based on our own beliefs and understanding of the world.

With so much information available to us, can we really trust what we’re reading, watching and hearing?

In a blog published by AIContentfy in 2023, they take a closer look at the impact of AI on content authenticity and the potential it has to manipulate public opinion and shape the narratives that shape our beliefs.

The article says:

“If people can’t trust the information they’re receiving, they may begin to question the validity of all information, even that which is authentic.This erosion of trust could have far-reaching and potentially dangerous consequences for society, as it undermines the very foundation of democracy: an informed and engaged citizenry.”

Is there a way of balancing the use of AI with authenticity?

Thankfully, the answer is yes!

BE TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE

Technology plays a part in how we live our lives, how we consume content and how productive we can be, but it shouldn’t ever replace who we are as individuals.

Although we’re often ruled by our emotions, it’s our unique stories, situations and vulnerabilities that help us become magnetic to others. 

By sharing our truth we’re able to connect with others on a deeper level and attract a tribe of like-minded people who know that they’re here to create change, but know that they cannot do it alone, it can only be achieved by working as a collective. 

Technology can be used to speed up the content creation process, but we shouldn’t rely on it to replace the way in which we communicate.

People buy from people they can relate to. By being true to yourself you’re making it easier to attract the right kind of people into your life or your business. It’s building trust in you as a person, an employee, a business owner or a leader. When someone trusts you, they feel safe and secure around you and are more likely to want to work with you.

BLENDING THE TWO TOGETHER

Don’t forget to bring who you are to your content when you’re using AI to help with ideas and create copy.

Use AI prompts to help you come up with ideas, create headlines or optimise for SEO, but don’t rely on it to bring you into your work. It can’t mimic who you are as a human being. It hasn’t lived your life, it hasn’t experienced what you’ve experienced and it doesn’t understand your personal beliefs and values. It’s these pops of flavour and originality that make you, you. 

People want to feel YOU in your content, not generic AI-generated content that’s typically very bland and void of emotion (and can be spotted a mile off!)

People buy from people they know, like and trust. Don’t deny them that by relying purely on AI to generate your content, because while it can be faster, quality will trump quantity every single time.