In today’s world, personalization is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation. People want to be seen and understood as unique individuals with their own preferences, interests, and values. And with the rise of generative AI, that expectation is becoming a reality.
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, from text to images and even audio, based on specific input and parameters. This means that everything from marketing materials to educational content can be tailored to an individual’s level of understanding, taste, sociocultural background, and income. And even the current weather at his location.
The implications of this are significant, as it means that customization at scale is finally possible. We can now create content that is not only informative and engaging but also personally relevant to each individual. Imagine classes with personalized learning materials that match a student’s pace of learning and adapt to their individual needs. A ChatGpt rewrites, and it’s done. Or Disney animation shown in different countries with geo-ethnically friendly characters. Ads on a web page that auto-generate visuals – and tagline- based on who is looking, at what time of the day, and where. VR experiences generate a virtual world perfectly tailored to the user, changing depending on their moods, desires or time of day. This is a game-changer for businesses, organizations, and politicians looking to build deeper connections with their audiences, as well as for educators who want to create more effective and engaging learning experiences.
At the same time, it’s essential to recognize that this kind of personalization raises some fundamental ethical questions. How do we ensure that people aren’t being unfairly targeted (manipulated) or excluded based on factors like race, gender, or socioeconomic status? And how do we balance the benefits of personalization with the potential risks of consolidating filter bubbles that limit our exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas?
As we continue to explore the possibilities of Generative AI, we need to be mindful of these questions and work to create systems that prioritize fairness, diversity, and inclusion. Only then can we truly harness the power of AI to create content that is not only customized but also genuinely empowering and transformative.
Main image by Photo by Felipe Galvan on Unsplash
Author: Paul Melcher
Paul Melcher is a highly influential and visionary leader in visual tech, with 20+ years of experience in licensing, tech innovation, and entrepreneurship. He is the Managing Director of MelcherSystem and has held executive roles at Corbis, Stipple, and more. Melcher received a Digital Media Licensing Association Award and is a board member of Plus Coalition, Clippn, and Anthology, and has been named among the “100 most influential individuals in American photography”