Why Effective Communication and Education is Crucial for AI's Success

In some of my previous articles and on podcasts where I’ve been featured, I mentioned that I was terrified of AI before I started using it. I often wonder why I was so terrified of it, and I finally understood why: The technology was unleashed onto the world without proper messaging, training, and education.

Five years ago, I was listening to Andrew Yang on a popular NY radio show discussing AI, and I immediately became terrified. He quoted a Guardian article that said the median income in the Black community would go to zero once AI is unleashed upon the world. Did he just say zero? Yep, he sure did. From that moment on, I didn’t know what to expect; I started to think that AI would come in and destroy everything in this beautiful yet flawed world.

I wondered aloud why it was being released into the market. In fact, I wanted the world to press a hard stop button on the technology. That way of thinking led me down a path of fear based solely on my lack of knowledge and education surrounding this new technology. I wanted to hide and stare at a wall.

So, when I see the general public get nervous and fearful of this new technology that very few can understand, I absolutely get it. I don’t blame anyone fearful of being nervous that these robots are going to take us out and enjoy doing it. I was right there with you, but you know what got me to actually change my mind: education and actually using the very tools that I was afraid of. First, education allowed me to understand what AI actually was and how it worked. Second, I began experimenting with the very tools that I was fearful of. These two acts allowed me to decipher between fact and fiction.

I say all that to say that AI is in desperate need of reshaping its public image, and a publicist—a really dope one, to be exact—could help in that process.

AI is undoubtedly one of the most transformative technologies of our time, but let's be real—its reputation could use a serious makeover (maybe a lot of blush and a good red lipstick, ha!). The truth is that AI has an image problem, and it's not doing itself any favors with the constant stream of doomsday scenarios on social media, job loss predictions, and top-level executives who can’t fully explain the technology. What AI needs is a good publicist, someone who can take the reins and reshape its narrative, one that can turn fear into fascination.

If AI had someone to highlight more case studies—like how it’s helping makeup artists create stunning, personalized looks, how it’s revolutionizing fashion with predictive trends and customized designs, or how it’s assisting doctors in healthcare. A well-seasoned publicist could shine a light on these positive stories plus more, making AI not just a topic for tech bros but a source of excitement for everyone.

In my opinion, a publicist would know how to address the legitimate concerns people have about AI. This would not involve sweeping these concerns under the rug but rather addressing them head-on with transparency and empathy. By doing so, a publicist could build trust and show that AI isn’t some faceless entity but a tool created by humans for humans.

Public relations for AI would also mean creating a dialogue between AI developers and the public. This could involve engaging with communities, hosting Q&A sessions, and being present in spaces where people discuss these technologies. It’s about educating the public by making AI relatable, showing that it’s not just a crazy futuristic concept but a part of our present and, importantly, our future.

While we’re discussing public relations and all that, let’s briefly pivot and address some of the legal stuff that aids in shaping AI's bad image as well. AI’s terms of service don’t help its case either. All these terms of service (TOS) need a major overhaul. TOS are often written in legalese no one can understand. If we want people to trust and embrace AI, it needs to communicate clearly and effectively. The terms should be written in plain English, preferably on one page, explaining exactly what data is being collected and how it’s being used. That kind of transparency can build trust and make AI feel less like a mysterious black box and more like a helpful tool.

So let me jump back to also point out that education plays a huge part in this. As a matter of fact, it’s key to reshaping the negative narrative running rampant surrounding AI. People need to understand what AI is, what it isn’t, and how it can possibly improve their lives. A publicist could help develop educational campaigns that demystify AI, breaking it down into digestible pieces that anyone can understand. The goal isn’t about dumbing things down; it’s about making sure that everyone has access to the information they need to make informed decisions.

To sum all of this up, AI needs a publicist to bridge the gap between innovation and public perception. By telling stories of how AI is making our lives better and addressing people's fears, a good publicist could help us all see AI not as a threat but as a powerful ally in our daily lives.

So, here’s to hoping the AI industry listens to me (because I’m super smart ) and hires that publicist. When it comes to new technology being released during the age of social media, perception is everything, and it's about time AI got a serious rebrand.

Before I sign off, make sure you check out next week’s newsletter. Everything below this line will make sense!