Artificial Intelligence is certainly no longer a concept confined to science fiction. For quite a while now, it's been disrupting businesses in ways we couldn't have imagined a few years ago. With capabilities ranging from data analysis to automation, AI is transforming the way companies function, making operations more efficient and driving innovation.
However, the application of this technology isn't without its challenges. As Jackson Lintz, the co-founder of the multi-operational and social media marketing company HighKey, highlights, over-reliance on AI can lead to complacency, and when misused or misunderstood, it can create more problems than it solves.
"It's crucial to adopt a balanced approach and understand that while AI can be an incredibly powerful tool, it's not a cure-all for business challenges," he says.
Jackson and his team are no strangers to leveraging AI in their day-to-day operations. However, he reveals that at HighKey, it serves as a valuable assistant in organizational tasks and that the team has no intentions of attempting to use it as a replacement for human oversight and creativity.
"It's a vital tool, sure, but it should only be one's ally," he shares. "While it can help organize tasks or fine-tune ideas, as of now, it can't replace the unique insights and creativity that humans bring."
Despite the benefits of AI and the speed at which it progresses, it does have its limitations. According to Jackson, one of its most critical pitfalls is the lack of personalization or individualization. On the social media management front, creating custom, resonant content for clients is paramount, yet it's a space where AI often falls short.
"There's no personal touch, no sense of individualism, no ability to fully grasp the nuances that make each brand unique," he comments. "Many social media experts suggest using AI to generate ideas and structure content over and over, but if everyone followed this approach, the internet would be filled with identical content creators."
It's a slippery slope and one that directly ties in with Jackson's second concern - the risk of homogenization. He emphasizes that if everyone used AI to generate content, it could lead to a lack of uniqueness and the potential disappearance of niche creators, possibly soon. And then, going hand-in-hand is the danger of oversaturation, with countless creators using the same ideas and merely different fonts.
When it comes to personal branding specifically, compelling storytelling and human experiences play a pivotal role. They are the elements that breathe life into a brand, giving it a personality, a voice, and a heart, creating a bond between a brand and its audience, fostering a sense of connection and trust.
"What people truly crave is understanding who the person is, their passions, and the full scope of their brand. People want to connect with each other, and AI, despite its wonderful capabilities, cannot replicate genuine human emotions and experiences," Jackson says. "And, without this human aspect, the purpose of building a brand—which is getting people to like and trust you—is lost."
But it's not all dark. As someone who is excited about the direction in which artificial intelligence will take the global business landscape, Jackson believes that, if used correctly and ethically, AI has the power not just to streamline business operations but also to bring about some meaningful change.
One of its most potent applications lies in handling large quantities of data and automating routine tasks. By doing so, it can free up time for human employees to focus on more complex and creative tasks. This strategic delegation might increase productivity and also allow for a more fulfilling work experience.
"Delivering the right message to the right person at the right time is the bedrock of marketing, and AI's ability to assist in this process shouldn't be underestimated," Jackson says.
Looking ahead, Jackson is optimistic about the future of AI in business but maintains it should be navigated with caution. This technology is bound to keep evolving and offer businesses new and exciting ways to improve. But, amid this thrill, it's crucial not to lose sight of what makes companies truly successful: the human element.
As Jackson says, "Machines learn, but humans dream. We should view AI as an ally because it can take us to brand-new horizons for as long as we use it wisely."
