According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the first known use of the word “intelligence” was in the 14th century. It’s defined as “the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations,” or “the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one’s environment or to think abstractly, as measured by objective criteria (such as tests).”
When you combine that with the word artificial—meaning “made or produced by humans, especially to resemble something natural”—you can see why the debate around artificial intelligence (AI) is so heated and complex.
Whether you’re using ChatGPT to plan a vacation or analyze spreadsheet data for work, AI is embedded in our everyday lives—often without us realizing it. From Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify recommendations to photo tagging on social media, voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, chatbots, smart thermostats, robot vacuums, mobile check deposits, spam filters, and even navigation apps—AI is everywhere.
Some of these technologies evolve beyond our control, requiring us to adapt quickly. As a proud member of Gen X, I remember rotary phones and 8-track tapes. I don’t want to forget where we came from. In fact, I try to use my unique life experiences to guide how I move forward—just like how we train AI models: with data, memory, and experience.
But here’s the thing—AI is only as smart as what we feed it. It learns from patterns, processing vast amounts of data most humans would struggle to make sense of. This makes it invaluable in areas like healthcare (e.g., complex diagnoses) or business (e.g., optimizing budgets and operations).
Still, I remain cautious when it comes to the artistic and creative side of things. Machines can’t feel. They can’t be empathetic, showcase personality, or truly think. There’s growing concern about AI’s impact on vocabulary, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It reminds me of how young kids who don’t play with blocks or crayons may show delays in hand-eye coordination or spatial reasoning.
Think about it: how many millennials can count back change without a register? Could they calculate a tip in their heads—or find their way with a paper map if GPS failed?
In creative work—marketing especially—I believe AI should serve as inspiration, not substitution. It’s a spark, not the fire. The human connection in an ad, that emotional resonance, is something no machine can replicate. That’s what grabs attention and builds trust.
So yes, let AI help track metrics, analyze data, and manage content calendars. But let’s also remember the power of starting from scratch—with a prompt, an idea, and a human touch. Work smarter, not harder—but make sure your personality (or your brand’s personality) still shines through.
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