Heidi Cuevas | Staff Writer
In a time where Artificial Intelligence is quickly integrating into the way we communicate, the ninth national conference of the Kopenhaver Center tackles uncertainties, inspires, and guides the communicators of today to be ready for tomorrow.
The Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication hosted a virtual conversation for the public on Oct. 21, where Keynote Speaker Nikki Barua—the CEO and Co-Founder of FlipWork— tackles the daunting question of how communicators can adapt and compete with artificial intelligence.
Recognizing the impact AI has already made in the field of communication, Barua begins with an ethical dilemma. “We hold more power in our hands than any generation before us,” says Barua, “but with that power comes a profound question: what will we do with it?”
At the core of Barua’s speech is guidance for communicators in their professional pursuits in a competitive environment that involves AI. Offering advice to young communicators to remain curious, avoid missing out on a fundamental moment in communication history, and to stop limiting ourselves to a label that prevents us from growing. Followed by a unique yet functional approach for communicators to use AI as an artificial intern that can never take over the work that humans can do.
And in a light-hearted end to the first hour, Barua ends on an optimistic note, “AI may change what we do, but it can never change who we are. Stay true to who you are and what makes you uniquely human.”
Following Barua’s presentation and a quick Q and A with convener Christina Vasquez, the second hour was dedicated to the thought forum to further expand on AI impact in specific fields of communication.
Laura McNeal— a Harvard-trained law and policy analyst— dived into the legal issues in using artificial intelligence in journalism as well as the worries of lawyers using AI to communicate within the legal system.
“Communication is so important in terms of how lawyers communicate,” says McNeal, “what we’re starting to see is an over-reliance on AI tools to create legal judgment and though AI can be a tool in the legal profession, it hasn’t shown to be an accurate or positive substitute for independent judgment.”
McNeal’s legal perspective provided insight for communicators who are looking to pursue journalism when misconceptions and distortions have become a growing issue. Leading to an effortlessly smooth transition to Elizabeth Baler— a reporter for over twenty years— discussion of AI’s place in journalism.
Baler focused on advising young communicators to prioritize their skills rather than over-reliance on AI tools. “I tell young people all the time before you really start thinking about using AI in a professional way,” Baler states, “you really need to become good at your craft.”
And as the last hour comes to a close, Kris Ruby—a recognized expert in America’s top social media and AI—offers insight into how familiarizing ourselves with AI forums can help communicators better understand the system itself.
Ruby reiterates the same theme found throughout the conversation that AI is not a replacement for communicators, “We hear a lot of the same rhetoric over and over again,” says Ruby, “AI won’t take your job, it won’t replace you…The reality is, yes, it will replace you if you replace yourself when you stop thinking.”
Despite how much is still unknown about artificial intelligence, the Kopenhaver national conversation of female experts provided much-needed comfort, guidance, and inspiration for young communicators.
About Post Author
