In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized content creation, making it easier and faster for companies to generate materials for their audiences. However, many organizations and individuals are not using AI effectively. The result is robotic, lifeless content that lacks the human touch. This trend is not just frustrating for readers but also raises concerns about the future of authentic communication.
A common problem is the lack of proper prompts. Companies and even journalists fail to provide the necessary context when using AI tools. They expect the machine to magically deliver relatable, well-structured content without guiding it appropriately. The truth is, AI cannot understand human emotions, culture, or nuances unless it is told how to. It only works with the instructions it is given, which is why prompts are so critical.
When companies or individuals give vague or poorly written prompts, the AI produces content that feels unnatural and disconnected. For instance, instead of asking the AI to “write an article about why exclusive breastfeeding is important,” one could say, “write an article for Nigerian mothers explaining the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for their children, using simple language and relatable examples.” The second prompt gives more context, making the output more tailored to the audience.
Sadly, many AI-generated contents floating on the internet lack this attention to detail. It is easy to spot an article written by AI because of its monotonous tone, repetitive phrases, and unnecessary use of complex grammar. For readers, especially in countries like Nigeria where simple communication is key, this creates a disconnect. The purpose of content creation—to inform, educate, or entertain—is lost when readers struggle to relate to or understand the message.
Even journalists, who should know better, are falling into the trap of laziness. Rather than using AI as a tool to enhance their work, they rely solely on it, ignoring the basic principles of journalism such as fact-checking, storytelling, and audience engagement. Journalism is about connecting with people, telling their stories, and shining a light on issues that matter. These goals cannot be achieved if one simply copies and pastes whatever an AI generates without reviewing or refining it.
To create meaningful content using AI, there are a few things companies and journalists must understand. First, AI works best when the user knows what they want and how to ask for it. This means writing clear and specific prompts that provide context. For example, instead of saying, “write about climate change,” one could say, “write a 500-word article explaining how climate change affects farming in Nigeria, using simple examples that farmers can relate to.”
Second, it is important to humanize the content. This can be done by reviewing the AI’s output and adding a personal touch. Replace robotic phrases with relatable expressions. Simplify overly complex grammar that might confuse the average reader. In Nigeria, where many people appreciate straightforward communication, this step is crucial.
Third, journalists and content creators must uphold their professional standards. Fact-check every claim the AI makes. Add unique perspectives, quotes, or local examples that an AI cannot generate on its own. This not only improves the quality of the content but also ensures it serves the intended purpose.
Lastly, companies need to remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. No matter how advanced it becomes, it cannot fully replicate human emotions, culture, or storytelling. To connect with an audience, content must reflect their experiences and address their needs.
In Nigeria, where diverse cultures and languages shape how people communicate, this becomes even more important. Content that fails to resonate with the audience is a missed opportunity, no matter how quickly or cheaply it was created.
AI is here to stay, and it can be a powerful tool when used correctly. But to make the most of it, companies and journalists must put in the effort to write better prompts, provide context, and refine the content to make it relatable. When used thoughtfully, AI can enhance creativity, speed up workflows, and improve content quality. But when misused, it only leads to lifeless, irrelevant outputs that leave readers frustrated.
The next time you use AI to generate content, think about your audience. Are you giving the AI enough context to produce something meaningful? Are you reviewing its output to make it relatable? If the answer is no, it might be time to rethink your approach. After all, content is not just about filling space—it’s about making an impact.