Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most influential forces transforming digital marketing. From automating content creation to predicting consumer behavior, AI allows marketers to work faster, target more effectively, and personalize messaging at scale (WordStream, n.d.). This shift also introduces new ethical challenges. As a communications strategist, I examine how these tools can drive creativity and engagement while raising important questions about transparency, credibility, and audience trust (BuzzFeed, n.d.).
History and Evolution
AI’s role in marketing began with basic automation—email scheduling, chatbots, and segmentation. By the 2010s, machine learning enabled marketers to analyze behavioral data and optimize campaigns more strategically. Today, generative AI systems such as ChatGPT and Salesforce’s Einstein GPT can generate marketing copy, brainstorm content, and interact with customers in real time (Fast Company, 2023). These tools promise efficiency, but they also raise questions about authorship and originality. As universities revisit their plagiarism policies and companies reconsider content standards, it becomes clear that while AI may assist, ethical responsibility still belongs to the human behind the message (Woolston, 2023).
I do use AI every day, for marketing, but to learn better. It’s my tutor. You see, I use it every day, but not for what you think I might think. It does help me write papers sometimes. But I still need to understand the topic first. That’s where AI comes in for me. With a comprehension problem and an eye-tracking and teaming problem, reading is horrific for me. Small bites work best. AI condenses the information I need to write and rewrites it into bullet points for me. These smaller sentences I can digest easier and when I still don’t understand something. Well, AI has already read the chapter. I can drill it on anything I want to until I fully understand what I have to write about. Now that’s transparency. Written by me.
How is AI Changing Marketing
Curated External Content (Ethically Attributed)
Want to see how brands are already using AI tools?
🔗 BuzzFeed for Advertisers uses AI to match branded content with user interest data. Their content personalization engine shows how predictive targeting is becoming standard practice.
Also see:
🔗 The Complete Guide to Advertising on Instagram – Learn how AI tools are used behind the scenes to optimize ad placements based on user behavior.
About Niki Jacob
Communications strategist, digital media educator, and designer. I specialize in helping people and brands tell meaningful stories using emerging technologies.
References
Fast Company. (2023, March 7). Salesforce’s Einstein GPT may be the most meaningful application of AI chatbots yet. https://www.fastcompany.com/90860088/salesforce-einstein-gpt-openai-ai-chatbot-marketing
Fast Company. (2023, March 7). Salesforce’s Einstein GPT may be the most meaningful application of AI chatbots yet. https://www.fastcompany.com/90860088/salesforce-einstein-gpt-openai-ai-chatbot-marketing
WordStream. (n.d.). The ultimate guide to Instagram advertising. https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/instagram-advertising