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AI in Journalism: Transforming News Reporting and Storytelling (For Better or For Worse)

The proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) across industries — communications, law, medicine, coding, design — can either be perceived as extremely exciting or deeply unsettling, perhaps even both. In a letter published earlier this year, Bill Gates said the technology is “as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet and the mobile phone.” This is especially true for AI in journalism.

Many companies are at the very least curious about how to integrate generative AI into their business practices, with some already using it. According to a recent survey of global executives by VentureBeat, more than half (55%) of organizations are experimenting with generative AI and 18% have actually implemented it into their operations. Notably, the largest use case was for tasks related to natural language processing, such as chat and messaging, followed by content creation.

READ: Artificial Intelligence for Social Good — Transforming Global Challenges with Innovative Solutions

Tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E hold the potential to transform work as we know it, but we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of their use cases, parameters and risks. Fortunately, newly released editorial standards and emerging case law have started to build a framework for how to responsibly use AI in journalism.

For readers interested in using tools like ChatGPT, this article will explore guidance issued by newsrooms and the law on how to approach generative AI in journalism, as well as tips for editing AI-generated content.

Newsroom guidelines for generative AI

As it currently stands, generative AI cannot be trusted to produce objective, factually-correct reports on its own.

These programs can have “hallucinations” in which the AI confidently responds to a prompt with an answer that is not justified by the facts of its training data. They are also predisposed to historical biases and societal perspectives. However, this hasn’t stopped newsrooms from dabbling in generative AI to help with things like research, analysis, brainstorming and proofreading.

Some news outlets have started issuing AI-focused guidelines to their staff to ensure it is used consistently and responsibly. The general consensus seems to be that AI can assist with routine tasks, but stories must still be written by humans. Below are a few examples of editorial standards from leading publications about AI-generated content.

  • The Associated Press says generative AI cannot be used to create publishable content and images but is encouraging staffers to become familiar with the technology.
  • The Guardian states that generative AI requires human oversight, and should only be used to contribute “to the creation and distribution of original journalism.”
  • For the Financial Times, their journalism “will continue to be reported and written by humans,” but they will give their team the space to experiment responsibly with the technology for tasks like datamining, analyzing text and images and translation.
  • WIRED does not publish stories with text generated by or edited by AI, “except when the fact that it’s AI-generated is the whole point of the story.” They clarify that they may try using the technology to generate suggestions for headlines, text for short social media posts or story ideas. 
  • Insider tells its staff, “ChatGPT is not a journalist … your stories must be completely written by you.” On the other hand, their team is encouraged to experiment with ChatGPT for things like story outlines, proofreading and summarizing old stories. 

READ: 4 Prompts and Tips for ChatGPT — A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers

Legal implications of generative AI

While it may seem like AI conjures up text and images all on its own, these platforms are trained using data lakes and archives of images and text to recognize patterns, set rules and then draw conclusions. This process raises a number of legal questions around infringement, rights of use, intellectual property and ownership of AI-generated content.

The jury is still out on most fair use cases. In Andersen v. Stability AI et al and Getty Images v. Stability AI, both filed earlier this year, the plaintiffs allege that generative AI platforms used their images to train their AI without permission or compensation. The outcome of both these cases will likely significantly impact the generative AI landscape one way or another. 

On the question of authorship, the U.S. Copyright Office currently does not issue copyrights for AI-generated work. Colorado artist Jason M. Allen found himself at the center of this national conversation after it was discovered that his winning piece at the Colorado State Fair’s fine arts competition was created using AI. Since taking home the blue ribbon in 2022, Allen’s copyright request has been denied three times with the federal office finding he is not the “author” of the image. 

It’s important to stay vigilant when using this technology. If generative AI outputs are found to infringe on copyrights, both the AI user and AI company could be held liable under current doctrines, according to a recent report from the Congressional Research Service. 

READ: AI Revolution — Unveiling the Transformative Power and Unforeseen Consequences

Tips for editing AI-generated work 

As demonstrated, generative AI in journalism may take the hassle out of creating a rough draft, but it doesn’t produce a finished product. Interestingly, ChatGPT seems to agree. When I asked the bot, “Does AI writing need an editor?” It responded, “While AI can automate parts of the writing process, it often benefits from human oversight to produce high-quality, engaging and trustworthy content.”

The main goal of editing AI-generated content is the same as editing human-produced content — to improve readability and accuracy. Here are some things to look out for when editing an AI’s work:

  • Avoid plagiarism issues by checking for originality and ensuring your piece doesn’t too closely resemble others.
  • Make adjustments to match the author’s voice or brand’s personality.
  • Always fact-check or risk ending up like the lawyer in Mata v. Avianca, Inc., who submitted AI-generated documents to the court that contained imaginary case citations.
  • Optimize your content for search engines with relevant keywords and proper formatting.
  • Reframe the piece to ensure it resonates with your target audience.
  • Refine awkward sentence structures.
  • Review for legal and ethical considerations.

If you do use AI to generate content, understand that your conversations with generative AIs belong to the AI company and could show up in answers to other users. Therefore, it’s best to avoid sharing confidential information with these platforms. 

Generative AI holds exciting possibilities for improving productivity, sparking creativity and potentially revolutionizing how we work. As the technology currently stands, though, there are still issues surrounding accuracy, rights of use, authorship and journalistic integrity. Inevitably, businesses are going to integrate generative AI in journalism, and those that learn how to responsibly hone its vast capabilities will come out ahead. 

 

Sara Rosenthal HeadshotSara Rosenthal is a freelance writer and communications consultant based in Denver. Learn more at saramrosenthal.com.

AI Content and Human-Generated Copy: A Winning Combination for Social Media Marketing

The rise of AI content has some people fearing for their jobs. Programs like ChatGPT can produce reams of written prose in the blink of an eye. That’s why using AI for social media marketing can give you the boost you’ve been looking for. But, there are still limitations.

In reality, AI content tools can enhance the work of content creators, writers and artists. Using AI to write more compelling social content may increase engagement, generate more traffic and bolster sales, too.  

READ: AI in Mobile App Development — Top 8 Tools and Strategies

AI strengths

AI has some serious strengths. It can search the web, write pages of content and analyze data quickly. AI can also identify trends in social media. Using AI for social media marketing also helps marketers make better-informed decisions. 

1. Research

AI programs can automate tasks like lead generation and project management. This speeds up research and mitigates errors. Automation also helps marketers save time. Marketers who use AI don’t trawl through Google for useful results. Instead, they can use generative AI models to find answers to their queries. This is helpful for writers who are working with unfamiliar subjects. 

2. Idea generation

AI can also be useful during the idea-generation process. Writers can use AI programs to reboot their imaginations when facing writer’s block. This gets the creative process back on track and produces innovative ideas. 

AI limitations

Artificial intelligence tools are growing in power. Updates have increased accuracy, too. But, AI is unlikely to ever replace real-life writers.

READ: Chat GPT isn’t Always the Answer — 4 Reasons for Human-Generated Copy is Still a Marketing Essential

1. Penalties  

Social media marketers who rely on AI tools may be penalized. Google Search Central says content creators can use AI tools to generate some content. But, AI-generated content cannot be “used to manipulate search rankings.” This is spam and undermines rankings online. 

Generative AI art can produce some strange results. Viewers may notice anomalies like human models with six fingers or too many teeth. This has damaged the reputation of brands that include AI art in their content. 

The legal landscape of generative AI is murky. AI-generated content plagiarizes content produced by real writers. It also fails to attribute its work to any sources. This draws the ire of some content creators and readers. 

2. Creativity 

AI is incapable of completing research or revisions. Natural language programs (NLP) generate “false” sources that do not correspond to real research. These hallucinatory sources sound real but are fake. This can land writers in hot water. Instead, writers should follow up with a reference search of their own. 

Combining writers and AI

AI-generated content is a boon for busy pros. But, folks who want to use AI should see the software as an assistive tool. It cannot replace real writers and may produce sub-par results. 

1. Outlines and captions

Real writers can use AI to boost their productivity by asking NLPs for outlines. This is helpful, as idea generation can be mentally draining. AI can make the process easier by providing potential content ideas. 

AI can also help social media pros compile data. The best social posts are informed by data. Programs like GPT4 analyze large data sets and leverage underutilized information. This can help writers identify trends and adjust their work. 

2. Professional prompts

Real writers who make use of AI need further training. Programs like Google Bard are simple to use but difficult to master. Training can streamline the process. 

Using AI to write is simple. Real writers can start using AI by including: 

  • A clear prompt: A clear prompt puts AI on the right path. This will improve useability, too. Stick to simple sentences and clear questions. 
  • The target audience: AI programs need context. Tell GPT about the context of the article before pressing send. 
  • A call to action: A CTA refines the search. Including a clear CTA can help GPT understand your purpose, too. 

More context is always better. Before pressing send, tell the NLP where the text will appear. This increases response relevancy. 

Writers must understand the business before turning to AI for help. This is particularly helpful for technical writers on social media. AI helps technical writers take a more relaxed tone online. But, it cannot create industry and business-specific posts. Writers still need to lean on their creativity to produce engaging posts. 

The bottom line 

AI programs help writers create more engaging social content. This is important, as social media outreach is essential for all growing businesses. However, writers who use AI should guard against overreliance. An overreliance on AI can produce “spam-like” content. This damages SEO rankings and may undermine brand reputation.

 

Indiana Lee Bio PictureIndiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

Unlocking the Power of Conversational AI: 6 Game-Changing Applications for Your Business

It’s no secret that we’re living through a period of extraordinary digital transformation. Foremost among the new technologies that have captured global interest? Conversational AI. 

The attention is definitely warranted. Conversational AI is versatile and powerful — and it’s already drastically changing how we work. 

Today, many companies are exploring ways conversational AI can work for them, and there’s a lot of information to get to grips with. Here, we’ll discuss six of the best applications for conversational AI to empower your business.

READ: AI Revolution — Unveiling the Transformative Power and Unforeseen Consequences

Personalize customer interactions

Whether your company sells beauty products or a cloud-based phone system, you’re likely faced with the same question: How do you provide a personal customer experience when there are no human employees? It was once impossible. But the advent of conversational AI has ripped up the script. 

Conversational AI can comprehend a customer’s preferences, data and other pertinent information in the blink of an eye. This allows it to create tailored recommendations and responses specific to each customer without making them feel like they’re speaking to a robot. 

READ: AI for Customer Service — 5 Easy Ways to Help Your Customers

Make data-backed decisions

Think of conversational AI as a highly diligent data collector. It gets the job done by speaking to your customers and gathering a wealth of information, then bringing those invaluable insights back to you. You are then fully equipped with the most vital knowledge a business can have: what your customers want.

With this information, you’ll be in a much better position to understand which of your products, services and processes are performing well. More crucially, you can identify areas with room for improvement. 

From here, you can sculpt superior customer services, innovate your product offering and achieve a significant edge over competitors.

READ: Harnessing the Power of Data — How Retail Business Intelligence Drives Customer Experiences and Boosts Sales

Offer 24/7 support

The idea of opening hours is very passé. Modern customers expect to be able to shop whenever the mood takes them. 

This is particularly true if you’re a global business and must ensure someone is on hand to respond to queries from any time zone. Moreover, being available to offer support can mean the difference between a customer choosing you or taking their business elsewhere. 

Of course, human employees need sleep, so staffing a contact center round-the-clock isn’t feasible for most businesses. Welcome to the stage, conversational AI. 

Unbound by time or geography, customer service AI can deal with a wide variety of concerns in several languages. It’s the kind of accessibility that can foster a significantly higher level of customer satisfaction. 

Enhance lead generation

We’ve already covered how conversational AI can provide personalized interactions with your customers. But it can take that service several steps further by generating more sales for your business. One example is the automation of follow-ups by sending abandoned cart emails.

A business can sell wine, bricks, clothes or domains, but regardless of the product or service, an abandoned sale equates to a missed opportunity. Using conversational AI to send personal, timely and tactful reminders can significantly increase the chances of making that sale after all. 

READ: How to Generate Qualified Leads for a Small Business — 3 Easy Tips

Improve financial efficiency

Conversational AI can benefit businesses in all sectors. But specific industries like finance and accounting can reap even greater rewards. 

Why? Because these sectors have been historically bogged down in manual work and time-consuming processes. However, the introduction of conversational AI has enabled such companies to significantly reduce operational costs and automate repetitive tasks. 

The customer experience in these industries is also being improved, with finance businesses and banks utilizing virtual banking assistants, among other solutions. These conversational AI tools can provide services like balance checks and transactions while protecting against fraud.

Streamline healthcare services

The healthcare industry is also benefiting from adopting conversational AI into its services. From diagnosis to therapy and patient management, this tech is paving the way for change. 

In certain cases, these tools can successfully diagnose health conditions online through carefully selected questions. The responses then enable it to deliver informed medical insights. 

Practitioners and businesses can also leverage AI platforms to simplify medical scheduling, helping patients with appointment bookings and paperwork management. These chatbots provide patients with a safe space to communicate while assisting therapists in taking notes and summarizing sessions.

Transform your business with conversational AI

Conversational AI has established itself as a transformative technology that can reshape your business, whatever industry you’re in. So it’s worth leveraging these tools to create a more optimized and enjoyable experience for employees and customers alike. 

In doing so, you’ll build greater trust and stronger customer relationships. For businesses looking to grow, conversational AI also opens up invaluable opportunities through data-driven insights that can boost sales and improve overall efficiency. 

 

 

Revolutionizing Emergency Dispatch: How Locution Systems Fights Fires with Voice

Glenn Neal, founder and CEO of Golden-based Locution Systems, “started out of a basement from scratch” in 1993. Today, the company’s products are involved in emergency dispatch for a population of about 50 million people in all. 

To help his brother, a programmer for Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, Neal developed software to bridge a gap in the department’s computer-aided dispatch system. 

The project led Neal to create a new market. “We were the market maker in automated voice dispatch,” he says. “We went from almost nobody using this automated dispatching to very few places that currently don’t have automated dispatching.” 

Customers for the 23-employee company include fire departments in Las Vegas, Seattle, Chicago and Los Angeles.  

READ: Preparing for Wildfire Season: Colorado Embraces Technology for Safer Communities

“The key thing that we have that no one else has is a real, complete human voice,” Neal says. “We have 99.9 percent understandability.” 

Other systems with cloud-based digital voices are closer to 90 percent understandable, he adds. “When it tells you where to go, you know where to go,” Neal says. “However, we don’t want to rely on the cloud for something so critical.” 

The end result is saving five seconds up to a half-minute in emergency situations. Over time, that can eliminate a backlog that could be a half-hour or more and helps ease all-too-common dispatcher burnout. Dispatch departments “can do twice as much with half the number of people,” Neal says. 

Debbie Rohr is Locution’s primary in-house voice talent, “She’s the one who records every single word with a different inflection based on if the word is at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence,” says Kristi McQueen, the company’s sales strategy and planning lead. 

Taking regional accents into account, Rohr typically needs weeks or months to record all the street names and other necessary words for a good-sized city. 

McQueen, a former firefighter, says the diligence pays off. “When a fire comes in, [the dispatcher’s] voice articulates the stress or the panic they’re feeling,” she explains. “Having that clear, concise voice that comes out consistent every single time is super important for the clarity and understanding on the first-responder side to get to the accident as fast as possible.” 

She adds, “Everything in this industry is mission-critical. There’s no room to just go offline.” 

The City of Peoria (Illinois) Emergency Communications Center has used PrimeAlert Voice since 2017. The previous dispatch system “was Band-Aided together,” says David Tuttle, the center’s retired director. Locution’s system eased all the pain points and shaved 40 seconds off the average response. 

“You don’t have to listen to too many agencies that have a competitor’s system to realize Locution has an extreme advantage on the audio quality,” Tuttle says. 

Fire Chief Tom Jenkins of the Rogers (Arkansas) Fire Department concurs. His department has been using Locution’s computer-aided dispatch tools for more than a decade. “We saw a 40 percent reduction in the time it took between receiving the 911 call and beginning to process that and dispatching those fire trucks,” Jenkins says. “What was a new and cutting-edge thing is now part of our DNA. 

“They pronounce street names the same, they never take a bathroom break,” he adds. “Locution operates without missing a beat. In a 911 environment, that’s so important.” 

 

Denver-based writer Eric Peterson is the author of Frommer’s Colorado, Frommer’s Montana & Wyoming, Frommer’s Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks and the Ramble series of guidebooks, featuring first-person travelogues covering everything from atomic landmarks in New Mexico to celebrity gone wrong in Hollywood. Peterson has also recently written about backpacking in Yosemite, cross-country skiing in Yellowstone and downhill skiing in Colorado for such publications as Denver’s Westword and The New York Daily News. He can be reached at [email protected]

Navigating the FOBO Phenomenon: How to Embrace AI in the Workplace Effectively

After Chat-GPT took the Internet by storm this summer, “FOBO” has become the new buzzword in people management. According to a recent Gallup poll, almost one in four workers are facing fear of obsolescence (FOBO) in the face of AI. In the past two years, FOBO in the workplace has risen higher than at any point since Gallup began tracking the trend in 2017.

As technology advances rapidly, workers today are trying to understand how AI will shape their careers. The World of Economics Forum predicted in 2020 that AI would replace 85 million jobs by 2025, yet only time will tell which predictions become reality.

Employers may not have all the answers yet, but they can still help workers, and their businesses, stay competitive against AI. Organizations can reassure workers by offering learning and development (L&D) opportunities, engaging employees and communicating openly.

READ: AI Revolution: Unveiling the Transformative Power and Unforeseen Consequences

Offer learning and development for AI

The age-old adage suggests people fear what they do not understand. Many workers may not understand how to use AI or similar advanced technologies and as a result, fear becoming obsolete as AI evolves. In KPMG’s 2023 global survey about AI, only 49 percent of workers surveyed felt they knew about AI, were informed of its use and understood when AI was being used. If workers are to become more at ease with AI and let go of FOBO in the workplace, this knowledge gap needs to be closed.

Employer-sponsored L&D opportunities give employees access to more chances to acquire new skills, increasing their competitiveness in the job market and improving their performance at work. Though AI may change some occupations more than others, almost all employees can benefit from integrating AI tools into their skill set. An April 2023 Stanford and MIT study found customer support agents using an AI-based conversational assistant improved their productivity by 14 percent on average, with newer workers seeing the greatest gains in productivity.

L&D is also good for business. Research from McKinsey has found that during significant transformations, businesses that invest in leadership development are over twice as likely to meet their performance goals. From junior employees to executives, a robust upskilling strategy for AI benefits everyone across an organization.

READ: Exploring the Potential of AI Bots in HR — Tips for Leveraging Technology in Employee Communications

Involve employees 

Just like during any transformational change in an organization, employee engagement is critical to the success of adopting AI. Employees should feel like they have a stake in the implementation of AI tools.  When employees see themselves as respected partners in decision-making about AI, they can also contribute their own insights into how AI can help them do their jobs more effectively.

Beyond helping employers understand where AI can help them most, employees also play a critical role in overseeing AI systems. For instance, a study in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine found an AI tool that helped diagnose and treat patients did not meet performance expectations when identifying sepsis.

No matter what their industry is, businesses should be aware AI tools may not operate as expected and engage employees to identify these issues and fix them accordingly. Workers and frontline managers are invaluable, irreplaceable resources for refining AI systems. As employees become more familiar with AI and recognize its limitations, they will grow more comfortable and competent using AI in the workplace.

READ: Revolutionizing Employee Satisfaction — Unveiling the Role of Technology in Modern Workplaces

Communicate transparently

Employees with FOBO in the workplace may fear AI will eventually become capable of performing their job duties with little oversight and take over the majority of office jobs. In general, Americans feel apprehensive about AI, with Pew Research Center finding in August of this year that over one in two survey respondents were more concerned than excited about AI.

To reassure those concerns, it is critical to communicate with employees that while AI may eliminate or reshape some jobs, AI also creates jobs. The reality is AI can perform some functions better than others and will always need human oversight. A 2022 study from the United Nations’ International Labor Organization determined AI is more likely to augment than destroy jobs, by “automating some tasks within an occupation while leaving time for other duties – as opposed to fully automating occupations.”

One important consideration for communications around AI is explaining the oversight process. Some organizations have created systems to ensure the organization’s use of AI follows ethical principles. These systems could meaningfully reduce workers’ anxiety. KPMG’s AI survey found that 80 percent of workers agreed they would be more willing to trust AI if the accuracy and reliability of the system were monitored. Over seven in ten agreed they would be more likely to support AI if the system had an AI ethics code of conduct, was reviewed by an AI ethics board and/or followed standards for explainable and transparent AI. Whichever system of human oversight that management implements, employees will feel reassured their employer is guarding against AI-driven mistakes.

FOBO in the workplace can be a contributor to anxiety, and employers need to understand the best way to respond. By focusing on learning and development, engaging employees and communicating transparently, businesses can reassure workers and implement AI tools more effectively.

 

Niki JorgensenNiki Jorgensen is a Managing Director of Client Implementation with Insperity, a leading provider of human resources offering the most comprehensive suite of scalable HR solutions available in the marketplace. For more information about Insperity, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.insperity.com.  

Blockchain Development in Supply Chain Management — How it’s Changing the Game

Supply chain management is imperative for providing a seamless flow of products from suppliers to consumers in every industry. But sometimes, the procedures are hampered by a lack of transparency, fraud and ineffective record-keeping. Thankfully, blockchain technology has risen as a supply chain game-changer, delivering ground-breaking solutions to these persistent issues.

Blockchain development services have shown a silver lining for companies looking to boost trust, increase transparency and expedite business processes. Decentralized networks, cryptographic security and immutable ledgers are all combined by blockchain developers to offer a revolutionary solution to supply chain management problems. 

Learn how blockchain development will reorganize supply chain management and propel various businesses into a new realm of success. 

READ: Why Blockchain is the Future of Work Building in Colorado

Disclosing the supply chain management challenges

In order to deliver goods or services to customers, supply chain management uses a complex process that involves coordinating various entities and resources. However, many issues typically obstruct efficacy and efficiency, including:

  • Ecosystem complexity and a lack of transparency
  • Problems with fake products and trust
  • Ineffective procedures and many mediators
  • Data privacy and security issues

What challenges in supply chain management are addressed by blockchain development solutions?

Blockchain’s fundamental characteristics, such as transparency, immutability, security and decentralization, can considerably enhance the supply chain ecosystem. 

Enhanced transparency and hassle-free tracking

A top-class blockchain development agency can utilize its capabilities to provide unrivaled transparency. Blockchain technology makes tracking products in real-time throughout the product lifecycle viable. 

Immutable record of transactions

By documenting each stage of a product’s lifespan, stakeholders may instantly verify the product’s legitimacy, provenance and quality. Blockchain in the supply chain leaves a trail that anyone may track to its origin. From raw supplies to production, distribution and sale, you can easily trace every step.

Real-time tracking and monitoring

Businesses can hire blockchain development solutions providers to combine IoT hardware and sensors with blockchain. They enable the supply chain tracking and monitoring of commodities in real-time. Furthermore, it will enhance visibility and make proactive logistics, shipping and inventory management possible.

READ: Harnessing the Power of Data — How Retail Business Intelligence Drives Customer Experiences and Boosts Sales

Cost Saving and increased productivity

Enhance efficiency and save money by integrating blockchain technology into your business.

Removes Middleman to simplify the process

Blockchain technology assists in facilitating peer-to-peer transactions and automates tasks with smart contracts. It also eliminates intermediaries, which reduces administrative costs.

Smart contracts can automate operations

A smart contract is a consensus between two people or entities in the shape of computer code programmed to execute automatically on predefined rules. A supply chain management system with blockchain tech can easily fulfill orders and settle payments without any hassle.

READ: How to Harness AI and Automation in Your Marketing Strategies

It improves inventory management in the supply chain

Business leaders can have more visibility into inventory stocks, demands, and efficiency. As a result, you will be in a position to estimate demands, thereby avoiding shortages and overproduction aptly.

Build trust between vendors via robust security

Hire blockchain developers to implement and enhance security in the supply chain systems. With this, every transaction will be secured with optimum accuracy, which in turn decreases fraud. Moreover, blockchain technology promotes confidence among users as well. 

Verify transactions with audit trails 

Utilizing blockchain technology in the supply chain ensures that every transaction is trackable, immutable and recorded. Hence, it gives stakeholders the option to verify the products’ authenticity, consistency, and compliance. 

Protect user privacy with secure data sharing

The best blockchain developers for hire always utilize advanced cryptographic methods to safeguard data and deny unauthorized access. It enables trusted parties to securely exchange sensitive information while preserving the data’s privacy and confidentiality.

READ: The FTC Safeguards Rule — Why Your Business Needs to Improve Cyber Security in 2023

Better supply chain visibility for all partners 

The transparency of blockchain encourages cooperation, trust, and accountability among supply chain participants. As it enables real-time information access for all authorized stakeholders.

Getting rid of fake products 

Supply chains can eliminate fake goods thanks to the tamper-proof ledger technology of blockchain, which also ensures the quality of the items.

Tamper-proof product verification

By keeping product information and certificates on the blockchain, stakeholders may easily verify the integrity and authenticity of goods. Because individuals will quickly identify any effort to tamper with the data, and the risk of counterfeit goods will be reduced.

Transparency is essential to build trust in the supply chain

The transparency and traceability of the blockchain provide end-to-end supply chain visibility. Customers are, therefore, more likely to have access to genuine information about the products they purchase.

Eliminating the counterfeit market

The use of blockchain technology has the potential to lessen the risks that counterfeit goods provide to consumers and the market. It assists companies in maintaining their image while deterring clients from buying dubious or dangerous goods.

Blockchain development services providers can transform supply chain management, making it more effective, transparent, secure and dependable by tackling these issues. The benefits of blockchain are felt across numerous industries, increasing consumer satisfaction while simplifying operations and lowering costs.

READ: Improving Your Customer Experience and Boosting Satisfaction — 3 Easy Tips

The bottom line 

A blockchain development solution may help supply chains overcome issues by utilizing its primary characteristics like transparency, immutability, security and decentralization. It will also promote productivity, trust and creativity. Blockchain solutions can revolutionize how products and services are built, distributed and consumed.

 

Daisy Brown is an experienced tech writer at SparxIT, passionate about blockchain’s transformative potential. With a knack for simplifying complex concepts, she insightfully explores how blockchain revolutionizes supply chain management. 

How the Metaverse is Revolutionizing Industries: From Sci-Fi Fantasy to Digital Reality

The metaverse, once considered a distant sci-fi concept, is rapidly becoming a reality in the digital landscape. This interconnected virtual realm, where individuals can interact, socialize and engage in various activities, is poised to revolutionize the way we perceive and experience the internet. In 2023, the metaverse is already revolutionizing certain industries.

With the convergence of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies, the metaverse promises to unlock a realm of infinite possibilities, changing the way we work, play and connect with others.

READ: AI Revolution: Unveiling the Transformative Power and Unforeseen Consequences

Understanding the metaverse

The metaverse can be described as an interconnected, immersive and shared virtual space where multiple users can interact with each other and digital objects in real time. It goes beyond traditional 2D platforms by incorporating 3D experiences that allow users to navigate and interact with the virtual world using their avatars. In essence, the metaverse aims to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, therefore revolutionizing industries and creating a seamless blend of reality and imagination.

A convergence of technologies

The metaverse draws its strength from a convergence of cutting-edge technologies. Virtual reality (VR) provides an immersive experience, where users can transport themselves into digital worlds. Augmented reality (AR) enriches the real world with virtual elements, blending the physical and virtual realms. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in creating lifelike interactions and enabling virtual entities to behave intelligently. Lastly, blockchain technology ensures the metaverse’s security, transparency and decentralized nature, enabling the ownership of virtual assets.

Applications and impact

The applications of the metaverse are vast and varied, with significant implications for multiple industries. In the field of entertainment, it opens doors for fully immersive gaming experiences, where players can interact with the gaming environment and each other in a more lifelike manner. Additionally, artists and content creators can explore new dimensions of creativity, developing virtual art galleries, concerts and theatre performances.

The metaverse also has the potential to revolutionize education and training. Students can dive into historical events, explore scientific concepts in 3D, and collaborate with peers from around the world. Moreover, professionals can engage in virtual training sessions and simulations, accelerating skill development and knowledge retention.

The business landscape will also be impacted significantly. Virtual offices and meeting spaces will redefine remote work, making it more engaging and productive. Companies can host virtual conferences, expos and product launches, reaching a global audience effortlessly. Moreover, e-commerce will be revolutionized, as consumers can try out products virtually before making a purchase.

READ: 8 Steps for Creating an Omnichannel E-commerce Strategy

Social impact and concerns

The metaverse will undoubtedly reshape social interactions. Virtual communities and social platforms will become the norm, allowing people to connect and socialize regardless of geographical barriers. However, as with any emerging technology, there are concerns to address. Privacy and data security will be critical challenges, as personal information is shared and stored within the virtual space. Ensuring that the metaverse remains a safe environment free from harassment and exploitation will also be a priority.

READ: Artificial Intelligence for Social Good: Transforming Global Challenges with Innovative Solutions

Digital inclusivity and accessibility

To harness the metaverse’s full potential, accessibility must be at the forefront of development. Ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate and experience the virtual world is essential. This includes accommodating those with visual, hearing and motor impairments, and designing interfaces that are intuitive and user-friendly for all demographics.

Regulation and governance

As the metaverse evolves, the need for thoughtful regulation and governance becomes paramount. Balancing innovation with ethical considerations will be critical to prevent misuse or the creation of digital monopolies. Establishing standards for virtual asset ownership and resolving potential legal disputes within the metaverse will also be a complex task.

 

Harish Mukkawar is a highly skilled and experienced digital marketer who has dedicated his career to driving online success for businesses. With a strong passion for data-driven strategies and a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, Harish has become an invaluable asset in the field of digital marketing.

Maximizing Efficiency, Minimizing Errors: Harnessing AI and Automation in Your Marketing Strategies

If used correctly, AI and automation has the potential to upgrade your marketing strategy. The general perception is that most workers are scared of integrating automation into the workplace. However, public opinion on automation actually indicates the opposite — most employees feel more positively than negatively about the topic. This is an advantageous outlook, as you can harness the inevitable powers of automation for the greater marketing good.

In marketing, in particular, automating certain tasks can reduce human error and up your efficiency. Learn how to master marketing automation and how doing so can drive campaign success with the following tips and examples.

READ: AI-Enabled Real Estate — How Automation is Impacting the Housing Market

How to implement marketing automation for optimal results

As with everything in marketing, it pays to be strategic. Your plans for using marketing automation should include a combination of the right techniques, technology and tracking. 

Automate menial tasks first

When deciding which tasks to automate first, think about which ones feel the most demanding. Automating marketing chores frees up time for you to focus on more impactful tasks. That’s not to say that the more administrative tasks are unimportant, but they can become repetitive and arduous after a while. Automation tools can help facilitate tasks such as:

  • Customer identity resolution: collecting user data from various sources to create a complete picture of that user’s identity.
  • Lead scoring and qualification: identifying the most qualified leads based on algorithms and placing leads in categories.
  • Predictive analytics: estimating how something will pan out in the future, including customer behavior and market trends.
  • Campaign targeting: tailoring marketing campaigns like ads and emails to certain target audiences based on criteria, even segmenting audiences and creating automatic response triggers.
  • Social media management: scheduling, posting, and even creating social media posts, tracking analytics like engagement rate across platforms.

READ: Don’t Get Left Behind — Top 8 Social Media Trends for 2023 

These tasks can even be enhanced with the use of machine learning and AI to gather data or predict trends that you may not have been able to before. Rather than having to go in and manually email each lead, for example, automation tools can do the grunt work for you. Standardizing processes like this also leads to reduced human error and more successful marketing.

Personalize customer interactions

While these tools open up more time to focus on genuine customer interaction, there are still certain aspects of personalization that can be automated without sacrificing quality. For instance, you can set up personalized emails with the name of the recipient based on user data. You can also use the user information collected for customer identity management to provide relevant content in their inboxes, ads, chatbot messages, recommended sections of your site and more. As long as you have the proper permissions to use this data, this is a great way to use mass personalization to your advantage.

Chatbots are popular for their ability to answer frequently asked questions promptly and without the need to speak to a live agent. Automating this type of customer interaction can save time if their questions or issues are easy to resolve. However, you don’t want to miss any communications. It’s best to also use an automation tool that synthesizes omnichannel messages in one place. This way, you can get a clear picture of customer communication, and customers are less likely to be frustrated with having to repeat themselves.

READ: AI for Customer Service — 5 Easy Ways to Help Your Customers

Colorado-based integration platform, Boomi, is a prime example of intelligent marketing automation. It allows the connection of multiple channels to bring together one clear view of your audience and relevant data. This increases customer satisfaction and brand loyalty due to the ease with which customers can communicate with your brand. 

Brandzooka, another Colorado-based software, allows you to run targeted ads across platforms, meeting potential customers where they are. Platforms like this allow you to amalgamate the campaign data all in one place, enhancing your ability to see a holistic view of your marketing efforts.

Prepare for more automation moving forward

AI and automation in the workplace are poised to keep growing and changing over the years. Keeping abreast of the automation trends and facts is tantamount to picking the right techniques for your marketing campaigns now and in the future. Make sure to filter out the automation and AI buzzwords and fluffy trends to get to the tools that allow you to enhance your marketing. 

Above all, remember that there are parts of marketing that should never be automated. People expect some level of human interaction when engaging with a brand. This human connection can be unobtrusive, but it should also be an option at all times for those who want it. When implementing automation tools, track your marketing campaign results. Figure out what enhances your marketing and what parts should be run by you instead of software. A mix of automation and a human touch will go a long way. 

 

Indiana Lee Bio PictureIndiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

AI-Enabled Real Estate: How Automation is Impacting the Housing Market

Many of us don’t readily recognize the role that AI is playing in real estate. Surprisingly, AI is already shaping nearly every aspect of the real estate market, from the way houses are being designed and constructed, to the real estate investment market. Believe it or not, in some ways it is even being utilized to customize and guide the home-buying experience.  

READ: AI Revolution — Unveiling the Transformative Power and Unforeseen Consequences

Home construction AI

Artificial intelligence design in home construction seems pretty futuristic but it may well become more mainstream in the coming years. One of the reasons is because of the sheer number of homes that will need to be built in the coming years to meet the demand. Think about the way that Colorado alone has grown over the past couple of decades. The world’s population is growing at an astounding rate — if all of those people are to be housed, literally hundreds of thousands of homes will need to be constructed. 

Already, AI-based tools are being utilized for things like the production of materials used in home construction. Other tools are already being incorporated into home surveys and inspections. Drones are commonly incorporated to evaluate the health of existing roofs or plumbing. Hundreds of companies are working to develop tools that may well completely change the home construction industry, making it both safer and more efficient. 

READ: The Economics of Housing Inflation in Colorado — Exploring the Supply and Demand Imbalance

AI-assisted home searches

All of this can ultimately add up to changes in how people look for homes in the first place. The incorporation of AI tech may drive down costs or make it easier to ascertain how much damage there is in an existing home. Some companies and real estate agencies are even launching products that help filter home characteristics and better drive customized home searches. 

Imagine looking for your dream home in Aspen or Boulder and being able to customize the search toward exactly the characteristics you’re looking for. Or perhaps being in Denver and being able to narrow your search to apartments that fit your specific needs in certain neighborhoods. Colorado’s real estate market has pushed up over the half-million dollar mark for the average home during the COVID-19 pandemic but is, fortunately, starting to come down a bit. AI-assisted home searches can help buyers find a wide selection of homes they’re able to afford. 

AI in home financial decisions

At a much higher level, home investment financial decisions are also being made with the help of AI technology. For example, AI can be utilized to help identify emerging markets that investors can make a killing in. A lot can go into these analyses such as where population growth is happening, home availability, how rental rates are doing, job growth and certain government policies that could promote growth. On the flip side, it can also be a help in determining when markets are becoming less lucrative. 

READ: Identifying Emerging Real Estate Markets — Key Indicators for Lucrative Investments

The tech can also do a number of other things that impact real estate investment decisions. Artificial intelligence can be used to value property, assess damages and review risk assessments. For instance, are increasing droughts in the West likely to cause risk with home investments? How are wildfires and other extreme climatic events playing into risk factors in the Colorado home insurance market? All of this information can be incorporated into a larger company investment strategy very quickly using AI-driven tools to help make better, more informed decisions. 

Of course, there are still a lot of risks with real estate investment in general. Markets are constantly changing and buying homes can be a bit too easy when you have the funding for it. The real work comes with managing the homes over the long term or putting in the money to complete the renovations that were planned. Artificial intelligence is a tool that can help inform decision-making — perhaps even a really great tool — but ultimately, the risk is on the person who makes the decision to invest. 

Artificial intelligence is making its way into every aspect of our lives, including the real estate market. The tech has the power to change real estate in nearly every way from home construction processes to how people search for their dream homes to how real estate investment decisions are made. It is a powerful tool, one that will forever change the housing market.  

 

Indiana Lee Bio PictureIndiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

Artificial Intelligence for Social Good: Transforming Global Challenges with Innovative Solutions

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our approach to solving social and global challenges by offering innovative ai products, insights and decision-making capabilities. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns and learn from experiences, AI has the potential to make a profound impact across various domains. Here, we explore AI’s critical roles in addressing social and global challenges.

READ: AI Revolution — Unveiling the Transformative Power and Unforeseen Consequences

Empowering Education: AI’s impact on learning and accessibility

AI can personalize learning experiences, adapt to individual needs and provide targeted student support. It can assist educators in designing personalized curricula, identifying learning gaps and facilitating remote education. Furthermore, AI-powered tools can enhance accessibility for students with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education for all.

Enhancing Healthcare: revolutionizing medical diagnosis and treatment

AI can significantly improve healthcare outcomes by analyzing medical data, identifying patterns and aiding in diagnosis. It can help detect early-stage diseases, recommend treatment plans and assist in surgical procedures. Additionally, AI-enabled telemedicine platforms can expand access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote or underserved areas.

Sustainable Development: AI solutions for environmental conservation

Addressing environmental challenges requires effective resource management. AI can play a vital role by optimizing energy consumption, analyzing climate data and predicting natural disasters. It can facilitate precision agriculture, sustainable transportation systems and efficient waste management, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Promoting Equality and Inclusion: AI’s potential for social justice

AI technologies can help mitigate biases and promote equality. AI algorithms can reduce discrimination and ensure equal opportunities by using inclusive datasets and implementing fairness measures. AI-powered tools can aid in combating hate speech, online harassment and social inequalities, fostering a more inclusive and just society.

READ: Unlocking the Power of DEI — Building Better Programs for Business and People

Crisis Response and Humanitarian Aid: AI’s role in disaster management

AI can support disaster response efforts during crises and natural disasters. It can analyze real-time data, monitor affected areas and facilitate rapid decision-making. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can also provide critical information and support to affected populations, ensuring efficient humanitarian aid delivery.

Ethical Considerations: balancing benefits and risks of AI implementation

While AI holds immense potential for social good, ethical considerations must be addressed. We need to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability in AI systems. Striking the right balance between technological advancements and safeguarding individual rights and privacy is essential.

Collaborative Partnerships: Public-private cooperation for social impact

Collaboration between governments, private organizations, academia and civil society is crucial to maximize the positive impact of AI for social good. Public-private partnerships can drive research, innovation and implementation of AI solutions, fostering a collective effort toward addressing global challenges.

Policy and Governance: navigating AI regulations and standards

Developing robust policies and governance frameworks is necessary to harness AI’s potential effectively. Governments and international organizations must collaborate to establish ethical guidelines, privacy regulations and accountability mechanisms to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.

READ: Colorado Privacy Act (CPA) — Everything You Need to Know

Inspiring Innovations: case studies and success stories

In the realm of AI for social good, numerous inspiring case studies and success stories highlight the transformative impact of innovative solutions. These stories showcase how AI has been leveraged to address social challenges, drive positive change and improve people’s lives. Let’s look at some notable case studies and success stories:

  • Healthcare Diagnosis: AI-based systems, such as DeepMind’s AlphaFold, have made significant strides in predicting protein structures, a crucial step in understanding diseases and developing new treatments. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery and personalized medicine.
  • Environmental Conservation: Conservationists use AI technologies to combat poaching and protect endangered species. For instance, AI-powered drones and camera traps have been instrumental in monitoring and preserving wildlife populations, as seen in the efforts to protect African elephants and rhinos from illegal poaching.
  • Precision Farming: AI-driven precision farming techniques have revolutionized agricultural practices. For example, companies like FarmWise utilize AI-powered robots to identify and precisely remove weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and improving crop yields, contributing to more sustainable and efficient farming.
  • Humanitarian Aid and Refugee Support: AI has played a vital role in supporting humanitarian aid efforts and assisting refugees. Organizations like the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have utilized AI to provide critical services, including language translation, education and access to information for displaced populations.

READ: Revolutionizing Agriculture with Machine Learning — Achieving Sustainability for a Healthier Planet

Looking ahead, the potential of AI to transform society and tackle global challenges is immense. As technology advances and collaborations strengthen, AI can drive positive change, fostering a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous world.

 

Alina Samchenko HeadshotAlina Samchenko is a passionate technology enthusiast with a keen interest in AI products, blogger, and author of https://www.aiproductslist.com/.