Embrace AI or be left in the dust

I recently faced an unexpected twist when my 20 plus years of experience in crises communications was called into question by a social media critic. My article on the dangers of being vocal on social media was ironically and inaccurately dismissed as “AI-generated bullshit.” I wrote every word of my article, merely using AI (in this case Copilot) as an editor to refine my work.

Copilot offered me some great feedback such as, “Make your hook stronger,” and “Consider using a different headline.” All services that a skilled editor would provide. I asked Copilot to generate an image that incapsulated my article and it gave me exactly what I needed. You can read the full article here. Shield Your Business from Online Meltdowns In Election Season

My usage of AI to edit and create imagery begs the question: Should the use of AI to enhance our work be embraced or shunned?

My work has been published in media outlets around the globe. While I did value Copilot’s editing process, I did not feel the need to have AI write my content. I believe however, there should be no shunning of those who do. My former mechanic was closing his shop and sent a letter to his customers making them aware. It was so eloquently written, and with vernacular that I had never heard him use, he was likely aided by AI. Bravo to him if he was. He commendably utilized a tool to express himself with professionalism and grace.

Embrace AI or fall behind.

The faster we learn how to navigate the latest technology, the less bumps in the road we will experience. I am reminded of when my favorite real estate company added new lead technology to their website. I’ll never forget this one group of real estate agents who guffawed and adamantly refused to use it. They were slow to evolve, and their businesses, like the dinosaurs, declined as a result. The agents who were early adopters of the technology, were the leaders in the race to success.

AI is a tool that enhances humans’ talents. It certainly does not replace them. It also takes skill to wield AI effectively. People are going to use AI to write job descriptions, reviews, cover letters, resumes, design their PowerPoint presentations, answer tough questions and more. Don’t eschew them for it. Instead recognize their aptitude in driving the platforms that make them work smarter, faster, and deliver better products.

The challenges of using AI

There are certainly caveats to using AI. Every time I upload my content, I am confident that AI will regurgitate it to others. My warning to those who share, make sure never to input personal or confidential data.

It is also very evident that AI is adapting to our styles. My critic could not discern the difference between my writing style and that of AI. Also, there is no copyright protection for my work when I use this tool. To maintain credibility and to protect my work as best as I can, I now add disclaimers such as: I authored this work and Copilot generated the artwork.

If you are a communicator wanting to learn more about the impacts of AI on our industry, I strongly recommend that you visit and follow @PRNews. They have an amazing catalog of online seminars and courses to help navigate this innovative space.

Good luck out there!

Roni Boyles authored this article in its entirety. Copilot generated the artwork. Boyles has more than 20 years of experience in communications and public relations. Her writing is seen in media publications around the world. Boyles is the founder of RLB Communications.