The 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai brought together top content creators and tech leaders to hash out AI’s growing role in media. Big names like Brandon Baum and Younez Zarou sat down with Forbes to debate whether robots will replace human creativity. The consensus? AI’s here to stay – but it’s no substitute for good old-fashioned hustle.
Creators admit AI tools help small businesses punch above their weight. Newcomers can now craft professional pitches without expensive consultants. Veterans use algorithms to track trends faster than any intern. But there’s a catch – the tech works best when it’s the wingman, not the star.
Conservatives warn about the slippery slope of convenience. Sure, AI churns out content 24/7, but where’s the soul? Generic posts flood social media, making it harder for family-run businesses to stand out. Traditional values like craftsmanship and personal touch get drowned in a sea of robot-written fluff.
Jobs are on the line too. Entry-level writing gigs that once launched careers now go to chatbots. Some fear corporate giants will replace entire creative teams with subscription services. But savvy creators argue AI’s just another tool – like when factories got tractors. Adapt or get left behind.
The authenticity crisis keeps folks up at night. Audiences can smell a fake. AI might nail the grammar, but it can’t replicate grandma’s cookie recipe story or dad’s fishing trip jokes. Viewers crave real people with dirt under their nails, not polished corporate bots.
Ethical landmines lurk everywhere. Cheatbots stuff articles with sneaky keywords instead of actual useful info. Deepfakes clone voices for scam ads. Conservatives push for truth-in-labeling laws – if a robot made it, say so. No more tricking folks into thinking a machine’s a neighbor.
Balance is key. Smart creators use AI for grunt work – editing clips, drafting outlines, crunching numbers. But the heart of their content stays human. One YouTuber put it plain: “Robots handle the spreadsheets. I handle the stories that make Aunt Betty cry at Thanksgiving.”
The summit’s big takeaway? AI’s the future, but not the boss. Tech helps the little guy compete without selling his soul. True success comes from mixing silicon efficiency with old-school grit. As one Texan creator drawled, “Ain’t no algorithm gonna outwork my pickup truck and work boots.”
