In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and societies, the timeless role of the copywriter stands as a testament to the irreplaceable value of human connection. I promote AI as an incredible tool for society. Whether it is businesses, students benefiting from it, or your grandma paying $7.99 to make an AI portrait of what she would look like in her twenty-something years, AI can benefit all humans for the better if used in the right way.
The advancement of technology is a beautiful thing, but a fine line is drawn between benefiting humans and replacing them, and that is where human connection comes into cultural play. So, how can a business leverage creative technology without losing the timeless influence of human thought?
Looking back even into the 19th century, the role of a Copywriter has been a profound job in the advertising industry. John Emory Powers, still regarded as the first copywriter in history, is the father of modern advertising. Around 1870, he began his career in advertising, initially working for American department store chains, and later he established himself as a freelance copywriter. His legacy lives on in the modern-day copywriter who creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and educate and engage consumers. This historical significance of copywriters underscores their continued importance in the age of AI.
The question is how a role dating back to the 1800s replaces such a technologically advanced tool like artificial intelligence. That would be the concept that all cultures are built on, and that’s influence. When a business can create an outline for a campaign or an email chain, AI can play a factor. However, when the final messaging is based on something other than human connection, community, and experience, there will be a gap between the consumer and the brand that no AI can fill.
This is where the unique value of a copywriter truly shines. They bring not only their communication skills and tactics but also a wealth of human experience and reliability that cannot be replicated by AI. This reassures us that in the age of AI, the role of the copywriter remains indispensable.
Imagine you are trying to teach an AI to draft compelling stories. You feed it countless narratives filled with intricate plot twists and rich character emotions. However, no matter how much data you provide, the AI needs help to grasp the essence of human experiences & emotions. It can mimic the structure of a story, but it fails to understand why certain events evoke specific feelings in people. Despite its impressive computational abilities, the AI lacks empathy – the key ingredient that makes copywriting resonate with readers. This emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human connection in copywriting, making us appreciate the importance of our empathy and understanding.
As a copywriter, your job is to convey information and connect with the audience on an emotional level. You anticipate how readers react to your words, tapping into shared human experiences and emotions. This aspect of empathy is something machines, devoid of personal feelings, cannot replicate. While AI has made remarkable strides, it remains to catch up to human intelligence, unable to comprehend the nuances of our emotions or interpret events in a meaningful context. While this article does not oppose artificial intelligence, its focus is on displaying the vital role of copywriters in 2024 and how human influence profoundly impacts all industries.