Meta & TikTok’s AI Advances: Remaining Relevant in an AI-Driven Landscape

It this Digital Buzz, let’s talk some about AI Advancements and how to stay relevant during this shift. The digital world is buzzing with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Especially across social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others. AI is transforming content creation and consumption and how we connect with our audience. Let’s dive into the latest buzz and then talk some about how do we stay relevant.

Meta’s AI Buzz

Meta is expanding its generative AI and testing new AI features across its platforms, like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. You may have already seen some of those changes. Meta announced several updates for its “Meta AI Assistant.” It’s powered by their latest Llama 3 technology. Meta mentioned it offers enhanced intelligence and stated they believe it’s now the most intelligent AI assistant you can use for free. Use it to plan meals, study for tests, and perform various tasks directly within the app interface. They’ve also added image-generation capabilities. Simply type /imagine and watch the real-time creation begin. Watch a short video sample of me using Meta Ai Assistant on YouTube.

For more details on these features, you can read Meta’s full announcement here.

TikTok’s AI Buzz & Google’s Deep Mind

TikTok is working on an AI feature that would allow brands to use AI bots to pitch products directly to users. So, influencers in the future may not even be real people. Yikes! We all know how tired it is to keep getting email spam and telemarketer calls. I might go as far as saying this is my greatest concern with AI. AI sales people could quickly become the new telemarketing nuisance. I’ve read in some articles that it already has. To be honest, I might consider taking my chances with the Terminator over conquering an AI telemarketer.

60 Minutes had an episode that covered Artificial Intelligence. What really grabbed my attention was a couple of Google’s Deep Mind projects. The soccer players and Alpha Zero. AI is learning how to play games in a way we’ve never seen. How could AI bots pitching products as influencers turn out? What techniques could they teach themselves to increase rational purchase decisions? 😕

Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, shared a question that we should consider as we learn to adapt to the shift of AI and how we might use these tools.

How do you double up AI systems that are aligned to human values?

Sundar Pichai

While we might not have control over how others use AI tools, this is a great reminder that we all use these tools in a way that reflects our core values. Make sure the way you use technology, including AI, feels right to you and doesn’t clash with your Christian principles. Let’s keep our use of AI aligned with our values, staying true to ourselves and what we believe in.

How Do We Stay Relevant in an AI World

I know there are some who have made the decision not to venture into the world of AI. If that’s you, you can probably just skip to my closing thought. For those of you who are interested in “How do we stay relevant in an AI world?” I’ll share some of the things we’re doing and some ideas to think about yourself. At Killer Bee, many of the tools we use for podcasting, social media, image design platforms (like Canva), and video editing tools, have or are adding AI features. These service providers now include AI features that will help streamline the workflow process to reduce daily tasks. The features can also enhance the content creation process.

Our team is taking a similar approach when it comes to staying relevant in an AI world. For example, we’ve created a custom AI chatbot for our website, which is in BETA, to help provide guidance to our visitors. The AI chatbot is called “BuzzBot,” and it responds to questions our visitors ask. The beauty of using our own custom AI chatbot is it uses the content we feed it. If we wrote it, that’s the content it uses to provide quick guidance. It also allows for a real human takeover if we decide to do that during working hours.

We’re also in the process of implementing private AI chatbots for clients under an annual coaching contract. I noticed taking notes during sessions and finding time to rewatch a video coaching session was a pain for some of our clients. It’s time consuming to take notes and sort through them all later. Our private AI chatbots will require a client to log in. Then, they can ask questions about past action items and what topics we’ve covered. Plus, they can quickly find key points, saving them time and reflecting on past sessions together more effectively.

You can take a similar approach when considering AI implementation. Start by evaluating your purpose. How does it align with your mission? Then, review pain points you might be able to ease for your audience. Our purpose statement is “Empowering teams to use digital more effectively.” The chatbot approach we’re implementing helps “empower” more Christian broadcasters on how to use digital more effectively. Which aligns with our mission to “Serve those serving others.” The private AI chatbot helps our clients take ownership of what they’re learning while allowing them to reflect back on action items and next steps more effectively.

Meta’s AI Avatar Bots for Personalities & Influencers

When it comes to Christian broadcasters or influencers, I keep an eye on Meta’s AI video bots. Meta mentioned this during their Connect Conference in 2023. Meta’s new project is to create AI bots that mimic Instagram influencers. Imagine having your very own AI Avatar bot that looks similar to your on-air personality or teacher. This AI Avatar would interact with your followers. Sounds similar to TikTok’s AI Salesperson. However, if used responsibly, it could be a powerful tool for broadcasters. Let me share some recommendations if you’re curious about this use case. I would make it clear to your audience that this is an AI avatar. You can have fun with it too. People are becoming more adaptable to the use of AI tools. Just be upfront about it. Don’t hide it. You’ll notice in the articles I use AI on it says:

🤖 Writing might not be my strongest skill set, so I’ve enlisted BuzzBot, our AI assistant, to spare you all from my literary struggles. Together, we’ve crafted this article.

That’s the honest truth. It doesn’t mean it’s not my own thoughts, experiences, or research. I just want people to know I’m using AI to help me in an area I’m not strong in. It is also helping me become a better communicator. I’ve used AI on this Digital Buzz, which I’ve already spent a couple of hours writing.

Imagine an AI video bot that could talk to people who ask for more details about the top songs you’re playing, or maybe they have more questions about a devotion your teacher shared. Adding an avatar may bring in another element of connection. Will it replace us as humans? I don’t believe so, but it can definitely help us begin connecting with more people without burdening team members whose schedules are already packed full. You can learn more about Meta’s AI Bots here.

My Closing Thought

The integration of AI into social media and other platforms is an ongoing evolution. It’s already significantly altering how we create, share, and interact with content. These technologies offer exciting opportunities, but they will pose new challenges in maintaining the human element. After all, connecting is the core of what we do as Christian broadcasters and influencers. Navigating this landscape will require careful consideration and integration of AI and how we use it if you choose to do so.

We have already seen how AI tools can help us handle routine interactions and free up time on our schedules. This has led to a deeper question I’m reflecting on myself and challenging others to ask themselves. How will I use the time I get back? Where will I invest it? For myself, I’m looking at ways to be more intentional about building a more personal connection with our audience (serving those who serve others). One of my new approaches is giving people a number to text me directly during working hours. These messages go directly to my phone, so I just ask everyone to respect that I will respond to your text in a timely manner during working hours. I may also send out an occasional text about something I’m learning or think you might find valuable in your digital journey. All you have to do is:

Text the hashtag #addme to 863.259.3660 to connect with me!