Let’s say you and I are discussing a recent basketball game. The conversation might cover the final score, the coach’s decisions, or a controversial call from the referees.
Now, what if the mode of delivery changes?
Maybe we’re talking in person, texting, or debating in a public social media thread. The topic stays the same, but the way we communicate shifts dramatically.
In person, I might gesture for emphasis or raise my voice when complaining about a bad call. Over text, I’d be more casual, using abbreviations and concise phrasing. On social media, I might tread carefully—or not at all—knowing my words are on public display.
Each new medium reshapes how we engage in conversation. Throughout history, humanity has continuously evolved how we share narratives, from oral tradition to the written word, from the printing press to the internet, and now social media. The medium influences the message.
Truthfulness is irrelevant to a narrative’s power. The ability to shape public perception and influence discourse has always been a critical factor in communication. This makes it all the more critical to understand and adapt to new communication mediums. And now, we face the next evolution in conversation: artificial intelligence. Unlike previous shifts, AI doesn’t just change how narratives are transmitted—it actively participates in their creation, enabling the rapid, large-scale production of persuasive content that can blur the line between authentic discourse and engineered influence.
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