People Will Buy More From People (But AI Will Get Alarmingly Good at Mimicking Them)
Have you ever paused mid-scroll on Instagram or LinkedIn, wondering, “Is this person even real?” If you have, you’re not alone. It’s happening more often now. AI-generated personas including avatars that look and sound just like us are slipping into our feeds, giving life to perfectly curated stories and interactions. And while they’re not fooling everyone just yet, I can tell you they’re getting alarmingly good.
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I’ve spotted them on LinkedIn, hidden under layers of sleek B-roll footage or delivering lines that are just a little too polished. Call it a gut feeling or years of scrolling instincts, but I can still detect the telltale signs of an AI at work. The question is, for how much longer?
Last year, when we launched our startup and consultancy, I leaned heavily on content to drive traffic and conversions. I wasn’t churning out videos or posts at the same rate as some creators, but the content I did produce worked. Why? Because people didn’t just see my product but hey saw me. My voice, my perspective, my approach to solving problems. That human connection made all the difference.
People buy from people. It’s as simple as that.
They trust what feels genuine, relatable, and human. In a world where AI can streamline almost every task, it’s the authenticity of personal connection that remains irreplaceable.
But AI Isn’t Staying Behind the Curtain
Now, don’t get me wrong…AI has been a game-changer for me. From automating mundane tasks to sparking ideas, I’ve relied on AI to handle a lot of the heavy lifting. But the thing is… everything AI touches still goes through me. There’s always a final human layer that ensures my voice, my intentions, and my authenticity shine through.
But what happens when AI doesn’t need us as much? This year, we’ll see AI personas that are so convincing, so emotionally nuanced, that consumers might not realise they’re buying from a machine. Imagine following an influencer on TikTok for years, only to discover they were never human. Would you feel betrayed or impressed by how real they seemed?
This raises another critical question: does it matter if the person we’re buying from isn’t real? For some, it might not. If the AI delivers value… be it entertainment, solutions, or emotional resonance or perhaps the origin becomes less important. But for others, trust hinges on transparency.
Brands could face backlash if their use of AI isn’t disclosed. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see new regulations requiring companies to clearly label AI interactions, much like food labels warn us about allergens.
On the flip side, this could also create an opportunity. Imagine a wave of “AI-free” branding, where companies promise that every interaction is 100% human. “Organic marketing,” anyone?
So, What Does This Mean for You?
For businesses, the challenge is clear: balance the efficiency of AI with the authenticity of human connection. Use AI where it makes sense, but never lose sight of the value people bring to the equation. As someone who’s relied on AI for countless tasks, I can tell you this: no tool will ever replace the power of showing up as yourself.
And for consumers? Well, the next time you’re scrolling through your feed, pay closer attention. You might be surprised at how often you’re interacting with an AI persona. Spotting them might just become a skill we all develop without even realising it.