ChatGPT wrote this blog post for me, and it is pretty spot-on.

As a self-coined technology buff (aka the only one in my family who knows how to fix the router when it goes down) and longtime lover of the Disney Channel original movie Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, the idea of AI has always been of interest to me. I have been consuming articles, videos, and podcasts about AI. As 2022 wraps up, I wanted to challenge myself to try generative AI creativity (with a push from Greg Swan and his kickass newsletter Social Signals - do yourself a favor and subscribe.)

So I downloaded ChatGPT and asked it a few questions that I wanted to write an article about...

Me: "How will AI impact creativity?"

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to impact creativity in several ways. On the one hand, AI can generate new and original ideas by using algorithms to identify patterns and connections that humans may not have noticed or by using machine learning to generate novel works of art or music. On the other hand, some people may be concerned that the use of AI in the creative process could lead to a decrease in human creativity as machines take over specific tasks that have traditionally been done by humans.

Overall, the impact of AI on creativity will likely depend on how it is used. Suppose AI is used to augment human creativity and provide new tools and resources for creative expression. In that case, it could enhance creativity and lead to new and exciting forms of artistic and cultural production. However, if AI is used to replace human creativity or to produce works that are indistinguishable from those created by humans, it could have a negative impact on creativity.

Me: "How will marketers use AI?"

There are many ways that marketers can use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their marketing efforts. Some typical applications of AI in marketing include:

1. Personalization: AI can analyze customer data and create personalized marketing campaigns tailored to individual customers' needs and preferences.
2. Customer segmentation: AI can help marketers segment their audience into smaller groups based on common characteristics, allowing them to create more targeted marketing campaigns.
3. Predictive analytics: AI can analyze data and predict customer behavior, helping marketers identify trends and make more informed marketing decisions.
4. Chatbots: AI-powered chatbots can engage with customers in real-time, providing personalized recommendations and assistance.
5. Content creation: AI can generate unique and engaging content for marketing campaigns, such as social media posts or email marketing.
6. Ad targeting: AI can optimize ad targeting by analyzing data and identifying the most influential audience segments and placements for ads.

Overall, AI has the potential to significantly improve marketing efforts by providing marketers with new tools and resources to better understand and engage with their customers.

Me: "How will humans stay creative with AI?"

Humans need to stay creative in the face of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Here are a few ways that humans can maintain their creativity in a world where AI is increasingly present:

1. Embrace change: As AI advances, humans must stay open to new ideas and approaches. This may require learning new skills and adopting new technologies.
2. Collaborate with AI: Instead of viewing AI as a threat to human creativity, humans can consider it a tool to augment their creative efforts. By working with AI, humans can leverage their strengths to generate new ideas and explore new creative possibilities.
3. Focus on the human element: While AI can automate specific tasks, it cannot replicate the unique perspective and creativity that humans bring to the table. By focusing on what sets humans apart from machines, humans can continue to create unique and original works.
4. Keep learning: To stay creative, it is vital for humans to learn and grow continually. This can involve learning new skills, exploring new fields, and exposing themselves to new ideas and perspectives.

Overall, humans can stay creative in the face of AI by staying open to change, collaborating with AI, focusing on their unique abilities, and continually learning and growing.

It was fascinating to watch ChatGPT come up with this content. Was it also a little disconcerting? Yes.

Did I have a moment where I wondered if this robot would take my job, home, and life and eventually exterminate all humankind, ala The Terminator? No.

In a very human fashion, upon finishing this article, I reflected on the changes that have occurred in the last nine years since I graduated from Iowa State University. The advent of Snapchat, the death of Vine, my addiction to TikTok, marriage, dogs, children, houses, old jobs, new jobs, COVID, Obama, Trump, Biden, and 2 billion cups of coffee.

Personally and professionally, I have experienced a seismic shift in what my life looks like and what I am looking for in my life. For me, the single most valuable non-renewable resource is my time. Occasionally, I wake up in the middle of the night, and I swear I can feel time moving. My children are growing and reaching new milestones; the creases are starting to form around my eyes, and every August 1st and May 5th, a weight forms in my chest when I am placing what feels like too many candles on my parents' birthday cake.

If technology like ChatGPT can give me one more hour in my day to read a book to my children at night, call my dad to see if he got any excellent wildlife photos today, or go to the gym to connect with my mental health, it is well worth it. We need to look to AI as a partner to make our lives easier and save time and energy to pour into what really matters.