Existence was never the same after IBM’s artificial intelligence system, Deep Blue, beat the world chess champion in 1997. It marked a monumental shift, not only in the field of AI and computer science, but also the realm of human potential.
Deep Blue was a supercomputer designed specifically for playing chess. It used advanced algorithms and massive computational power to analyze millions of possible moves within seconds, evaluating various positions, calculating potential outcomes, and then selecting the best moves accordingly. The six-game match between Kasparov and Deep Blue garnered worldwide attention. While Kasparov won the first game, Deep Blue returned to win the second. The remaining games were intense battles, with Deep Blue ultimately securing victory in the decisive sixth game.
Later, in March 2016, a new milestone was achieved when the world witnessed the defeat of a former Go champion by AlphaGo, the first computer program to conquer the ancient and complex game. This rapid advancement of AI technology and its ability to master chess and intricate, strategy-based games like Go was yet another testament to the power of artificial intelligence.
In fact, this triumph over one of the world’s greatest Go players served as a wake-up call, showcasing the potential of AI to outperform humans in tasks requiring deep strategic thinking and intuition. It sparked discussions about the future implications of AI in various fields, from autonomous vehicles and healthcare diagnostics to personalized recommendations and natural language understanding. It was clear that we were standing on the brink of a new era, one where AI would become increasingly prominent in shaping our lives, industries, and societies.
Fast forward to 2023.
Certainly, the rise of AI is upon us—and it will only continue to progress. Looking back now, this year’s surge of AI writing generators makes perfect sense; it was only a matter of time. Given the fact that AI is a known “human defeater,” it’s impossible not to wonder about the potential consequences humans might face regarding AI-generated content.
While the opinions of AI-based writing range from dismal to delighted, I am confident that it will not vanquish human creatives. Sure, AI is powerful. Sure, it can master chess or solve complex mathematical problems. Sure, it can even generate content. These achievements, however, underscore a crucial distinction: communication isn’t a mathematical problem that computational power can solve.
It takes more than data processing to truly engage, inspire, and connect with people.
In chess and Go, the rules are well-defined, and success relies heavily on mathematical calculations and strategic algorithms. Yet, communication involves nuances that extend far beyond mathematics. To communicate effectively means to harness emotions, cultural context, empathy, and creativity—elements that will always remain at the core of human connection and expression.
AI may excel in generating text and performing specific language-related tasks, but it falls short in grasping the subtleties of human communication. It may produce grammatically correct content, but it can never truly understand the essence of a heartfelt story, the humor in a joke, or the cultural sensitivities required for effective cross-cultural communication. At the center of AI is an algorithm. At the center of a human is a creator, a thinker, and, of course, abdominal muscles.
Moreover, language is an ever-evolving, dynamic facet of human culture. It goes beyond syntax and semantics—it mirrors our experiences, values, and aspirations. While AI can generate content, it is human writers who infuse meaning, emotion, and authenticity into words. It is humans who understand resonance, drive, and motivations. AI, on the other hand, can only replicate existing patterns. It lacks the ability to feel, perceive, or understand the world in the rich and multifaceted ways that humans do. As long as people are the searchers of the internet, content with genuine value that connects on a human level, will forever remain the most valuable.
An algorithm can’t feel.
The heart of effective communication lies in authenticity, empathy, and understanding—qualities deeply ingrained in the most effective writers. Consider storytelling, for instance. The most memorable stories are those that touch the human soul, evoke empathy, and reflect the complexities of the human experience. While AI can generate narratives based on patterns and data, it can’t craft stories that resonate emotionally with readers. Only humans can do that. AI can’t emotionally compel readers because it can’t feel. It doesn’t know what it means to have an authentic experience. It will never know the feelings we as humans share: heartbreak, joy, sorrow, love. It will never know what it feels like to have a parent, be a parent, or lose a loved one. It will never know the multitudes each one of us contains.
Human writers can empathize with their audience, understand their needs, and tailor their messages accordingly. They can sense subtle shifts in tone and sentiment to adjust communication methods in ways that create genuine connections. AI, on the other hand, relies on predefined algorithms and lacks the capacity for true emotional empathy. Moreover, effective communication involves cultural nuances and context. Human writers possess cultural awareness, allowing them to navigate the intricacies of diverse audiences and adapt messaging to respect cultural sensitivities—something that’s especially important in our interconnected world.
Humans can think outside the box. AI can only think inside one.
Understanding depth, nuance, and human behavior takes a lot more than an algorithm. In order to build effective relationships and convey meaning, one must know what it means to be.
In fact, communication is all about building relationships – from conveying a brand’s identity to persuading an audience – it’s about forging connections that transcend, touch, and inspire.
AI will never know the true meaning of life. Granted, humans may never know the true meaning of life either, but we certainly know what it feels like to contemplate, move, see, hear, smell, touch, and perceive the incredible world around us. Communication that comes from that place is rarely formulaic—but it’s always felt.
Looking to communicate on a human level? Copywriting for humans is where it’s at.
