AI isn’t the future, it’s the now. And while that might sound overwhelming, it could also be the very thing that helps us become more human, not less.
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 April 2025) – Artificial Intelligence. AI. It’s the conversation we’re all having, even when we think we’re not.
Whether you’re scrolling through your socials, attending a conference, or just reading your emails, AI is there… quietly working behind the scenes, or sometimes boldly shouting: “Hey, I wrote this!”
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend a number of conferences as a guest and speaker and almost every single one has featured some sort of AI element. Sometimes it’s a company doing something groundbreaking in the AI space. Or a “thought leader” unpacking the philosophy of it all. Either way, AI is no longer knocking at the door… it’s already moved in.
Last year, I attended the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum (DW Media Forum) in Germany, where I was invited to speak and also soak up some of the global conversations around journalism and innovation. AI was everywhere. From panel discussions to coffee break debates, it was one of the hottest topics in the room. The energy was electric but the opinions were… divided.
There were three very clear camps (in my mind).
- The first: people who believe AI is a massive problem.
- The second: people who believe it’s the future.
- And the third? Well, they just don’t care.
The reality is that whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. And it’s not slowing down. If anything, it’s moving faster than we are.
If I look at it from my perspective, AI has the potential to revolutionise journalism and not just by automating small tasks. From automated fact-checking, to real-time data analysis, drafting early reports or helping with grammar. These tools could free up journalists to do more of what they do best: tell powerful, meaningful stories. Investigate the stuff that matters. Highlight the people who are changing the world for the better. In the same breath, we must remember that AI isn’t perfect. It learns from data that we feed it, and when that data carries bias, the outcomes can be flawed. And let’s not even get into the fear of job losses or the idea of a future where we all just talk to robots instead of each other. That’s not the future we’re aiming for. Well, I hope it’s not anyway.
But here’s where I stand. This is my belief.
If you do not learn AI skills… you will be left behind.
And I don’t mean you need to become besties with a bot. Nobody wants to be speaking to a cyborg all day. But what if there’s a way to use it as a tool? Something that can add real value to your work, your creativity and your life? What if we used it for good?
I already see it in my inboxes. Press releases, proposals and sometimes even full emails are often written using AI. And it’s not just that “long dash” that gives it away. There are many elements, And don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking it. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. If AI helps you be more productive, gives you space to breathe, to create and to dream… then I’m all for it.
But, there is a but. A big but.
You cannot lose yourself to AI.
We are human. And humans connect through nuance, vulnerability, humour and empathy. That can’t be coded. So while AI might help get your message across, you still need to bring the heart. Your heart. AI is just a tool. And like any tool, its power lies entirely in the hands of the person using it. AI can make you more productive… but only YOU can make it meaningful.
So use it to save time, but not to lose your humanity.
And use it to work smarter, but don’t let it take away your ability to feel.
Because the future isn’t about man versus machine… it’s about how we use machines to make ourselves more human than ever before.
Well, that’s my opinion anyway.
Gotta dash. LOL.
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