Hi! I’m back for the month of February. As the Digital Content Director at Webology, I’m here to answer a big, scary question you’ve probably heard buzzing around lately:
Will AI replace my job in digital marketing or advertising?
Let’s not forget—being human is your greatest strength. AI can’t capture those genuine, candid moments, spark viral prank trends that friends can’t wait to try, or create content that tugs at heartstrings. Admit it, you’ve probably teared up watching one of those soldier homecoming videos.
But with all this talk about AI advancements, it’s easy to start feeling like we’re heading into “Black Mirror” territory where robots take over everything. I’m here to tell you something that might surprise you—AI **isn’t** going to replace us. Yeah, I said it! It’s not taking over our jobs anytime soon, and I’ve got a whole latte’s worth of reasons why (yes, this month’s blog post is powered by espresso).
Table of Contents
1. Empathy and Understanding? That’s ALL Human.
Sure, AI can crunch numbers, sift through data, and mimic tone, but guess what AI still can’t do? Feel. It doesn’t understand empathy, sympathy, or the nuances of human emotion. And in our line of work—whether it’s writing a heartfelt campaign or coming up with an ad that resonates with, well, real people—emotional intelligence is everything.
AI can’t truly “read the room.” It can follow trends, but it doesn’t pick up on the subtleties of social and cultural dynamics that keep us from crossing lines we shouldn’t. Whether it’s navigating controversial topics or writing something with heart that makes a genuine connection—only we can do that.
2. Humans Are Wildcards (And That’s Amazing)
Unlike machines, we’re not programmed to respond in one linear way. We’re unpredictable! We make choices—right, wrong, or somewhere in between—that don’t always follow a formula.
For instance, when we’re creating a campaign, we have the ability to consider multiple angles. There is not a one way street way must follow to achieve “great marketing”.
Maybe we throw in a quirky idea that shouldn’t work but somehow does, or we experiment with strategies no algorithm would suggest. AI doesn’t have free will—it can only mimic patterns in past data. We, on the other hand, are the ones who push the envelope, take risks, and create the “new normal” in branding and marketing.
3. Humans Are the Trendsetters
Think about it—who made those TikTok dances viral? Who said, “This sound is the vibe”? That’s right—it was people! Have you noticed the catchphrases or slang in your Instagram feed? AI didn’t come up with “slay” or make “it’s giving” part of our everyday vocab. We did.
When it comes to what’s trending, humans are the driving force. AI might highlight what’s gaining traction, but it’s people who decide what’s cool, hot, or worth sharing. We’re the creators of viral content, ground-breaking campaigns, and those funny little lip-syncs. Think of AI as an assistant—it can suggest ideas, but WE are the ones putting them into motion.
4. AI Hasn’t Quite Mastered How We Speak
Here’s a fun experiment—go ahead and ask AI to write like it’s 22 and making TikToks for a coffee brand. Odds are, the phrases and tone it uses will feel a little… off. Why? Because AI learns patterns, but language is dynamic. It changes faster than algorithms can keep up. What’s trendy and conversational today might not land tomorrow (remember “on fleek”?). AI just doesn’t live in the same world we do, where pop culture shifts on a daily basis.
And here’s the kicker—certain terms or phrases can be unintentionally offensive or tone-deaf when used in the wrong way. Humans have intuition; we know when something feels a little icky. AI doesn’t. That’s why we proof anything AI generates for clients—because ensuring it aligns with brand values and sensitivity is a human skill AI simply hasn’t developed.
5. Creativity Can’t Be Automated
AI excels at efficiency, but creativity? That’s where we shine. Consider the Super Bowl ads that everyone talked about for months. Or a campaign so moving it made you feel something deep. AI didn’t come up with those concepts—and it never will. Why? Because creativity is organic, messy, and so beautifully human.
A campaign isn’t just pixels on a screen or copy in a headline—it’s an art. It’s knowing your audience, taking risks, and understanding why something will resonate. AI might be able to write a decent caption, but it isn’t brainstorming the next big thing over a team meeting filled with coffee mugs, sticky notes, and snacks. Here is one of my all-time favorite commercials from the 2012 Olympics that P&G created.
6. AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement
Here’s the truth—AI isn’t here to take over our jobs; it’s here to help us do them better. When used the right way, AI can enhance our work, not diminish it. Need a first draft for a blog post? AI has your back. Want insights into what your audience likes? AI can deliver. But you know what AI can’t do? Infuse that blog with personality. Write with humor, empathy, or sass. Decide which insights matter most in the context of a bigger strategy.
Think of AI as your sidekick. It can save you time and boost productivity, but it’s the human touch that makes the magic happen.
Embracing Instead of Career Changing
Digital marketers and advertisers, take a deep breath. AI isn’t coming for your job—it’s coming to make your job easier. You bring the ideas, the strategy, and that irreplaceable spark of creativity that resonates with people in ways AI simply can’t.
At the end of the day, brands want connections. And connections are built by people, for people. That’s you. That’s us. We are the creative force behind every scroll-stopping story, every viral moment, every ad that feels like it was speaking just to you.
Stay bold. Stay human. And keep making magic—because no algorithm can do what we do.
What are your thoughts on using AI in marketing? Reach out to us because nothing beats a good ol’ human conversation.
