When to use AI in social media

AI is here to stay. The social media platforms are building it into their creation tools to help people make content quickly and easily. It can be incredibly useful to generate ideas, tweak copy and edit images. 

BUT! A word of caution, your content must be authentic and in line with your business brand. AI copy should always be reviewed and edited to ensure it’s had a ‘human touch’ to make it as good as it possibly can be. The AI generated copy should never be the finished article!

That’s copy. But what about images? There’s something to be said for being able to create those assets that simply can’t be found online. However, when it comes to your image, there’s more to be considered. People are starting to use AI versions of themselves as their profile photos, is this going to be the new normal? Let’s take a look at this for LinkedIn.

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, is a place where your first impression often comes from your profile photo. While it might be tempting to experiment with the latest AI-generated photos, you should use with an up-to-date, genuine photograph for a number of reasons.

• First impressions matter. A genuine real life photo of you builds trust and credibility. A potential employer or connection wants to see the real you, not an idealised or fictional representation created by artificial intelligence.
• People connect with people, not machines. LinkedIn is about networking and forming relationships. When your profile picture is a genuine image of yourself, it’s easier for others to relate to you, trust you, and envision a real connection.
• AI-generated images lack authenticity. While AI-generated photos may look polished, they often lack the authenticity and warmth of a real person. Your smile, your expressions, and your individuality cannot be replicated by an algorithm.
• A mismatch in expectations. When you meet someone in person after connecting with them on LinkedIn, they may have certain expectations based on your profile picture. If that image is an AI-generated idealised version of yourself, the real you does not look like that. This can lead to an immediate psychological disconnect the person or people you’re meeting and interacting with.
• In contrast, using an up-to-date, authentic photo helps ensure your online and offline personas align more closely. It sets realistic expectations and makes it easier for people to recognise and connect with you, creating a smoother transition from the digital to the physical world.

When it comes to LinkedIn, your profile picture is your digital handshake. It should reflect who you are as a professional and convey authenticity. So, put your best face forward and choose a recent, genuine photo for your LinkedIn profile to make a lasting impression on potential connections; a recent photo being an important point as you don’t want to people to be expecting Grogu having seen your profile photo and then meeting Yoda in real life!