Imagine applying for a job and receiving a rejection letter—not from a person, but from an algorithm. It doesn’t explain why, but behind the scenes, the system decided your resume didn’t “fit.” Perhaps you attended an all-women’s college or used a word like “collaborative” that it flagged as “unqualified.”
This isn’t a dystopian nightmare—it’s a reality that unfolded at Amazon, where an AI-powered recruiting tool systematically discriminated against female applicants. The system, trained on historical data dominated by male hires, penalized words and phrases commonly associated with women, forcing the company to scrap it entirely.
But the tool’s failure wasn’t a one-off glitch. It’s a stark example of a growing problem: artificial intelligence isn’t neutral. And as it becomes more embedded in everyday life, its biases are shaping decisions that affect millions.
Bias at Scale: How AI Replicates Our Flaws
AI systems learn from the data they’re given. And when that data reflects existing inequalities—whether in hiring, healthcare, or policing—the algorithms amplify them.
Hiring Discrimination: Amazon’s AI recruitment tool penalized resumes with words like “women’s” or references to all-female institutions, mirroring biases in its training data. While Amazon pulled the plug on the tool, its case became a cautionary tale of how unchecked AI can institutionalize discrimination.
Facial Recognition Failures: In Michigan, Robert Julian-Borchak Williams was wrongfully arrested after a police facial recognition system falsely identified him as a suspect. Studies have repeatedly shown that facial recognition tools are less accurate for people of color, leading to disproportionate harm.
Healthcare Inequality: An algorithm used in U.S. hospitals deprioritized Black patients for critical care, underestimating their medical needs because it relied on cost-based metrics. The result? Disparities in access to potentially life-saving treatment.
These systems don’t operate in isolation. They scale human bias, codify it, and make it harder to detect and challenge.
The Perils of Automated Decision-Making
Unlike human errors, algorithmic mistakes carry an air of authority. Decisions made by AI often feel final and unassailable, even when they’re deeply flawed.
Scale: A biased human decision affects one person. A biased algorithm impacts millions.
Opacity: Many algorithms operate as “black boxes,” their inner workings hidden even from their creators.
Trust: People often assume machines are objective, but AI is only as unbiased as the data it’s trained on—and the priorities of its developers.
This makes machine bias uniquely dangerous. When an algorithm decides who gets hired, who gets a loan, or who gets arrested, the stakes are high—and the consequences are often invisible until it’s too late.
Who’s to Blame?
AI doesn’t create bias—it reflects it. But the blame doesn’t lie solely with the machines. It lies with the people and systems that build, deploy, and regulate them.
Technology doesn’t just reflect the world we’ve built—it shows us what needs fixing. AI is powerful, but its value lies in how we use it—and who we use it for.
Can AI Be Fair?
The rise of AI bias isn’t inevitable. With intentional action, we can create systems that reduce inequality instead of amplifying it.
Diverse Data: Train algorithms on datasets that reflect the full spectrum of humanity.
Inclusive Design: Build diverse development teams to catch blind spots and design for fairness.
Transparency: Require companies/ governments to open their algorithms to audits and explain their decision-making processes.
Regulation: Establish global standards for ethical AI development, holding organizations accountable for harm.
But these solutions require collective will. Without public pressure, the systems shaping our lives will continue to reflect the inequities of the past.
The rise of machine bias is a reminder that AI, for all its promise, is a mirror.
It reflects the values, priorities, and blind spots of the society that creates it.
The question isn’t whether AI will shape the future—it’s whose future it will shape. Will it serve the privileged few, or will it work to dismantle the inequalities it so often reinforces?
The answer lies not in the machines but in us.
NEVER FORGET ! AI is a tool. Its power isn’t in what it can do—it’s in what we demand of it. If we want a future that’s fair and just, we have to fight for it, all of us!
Progress is a wonderful thing. It has always driven humanity forward—unlocking new possibilities, bridging divides, and solving problems once thought insurmountable. But progress also comes with choices. And today, as artificial intelligence reshapes industries, we are faced with a critical one: Will we use this technology to enhance human creativity, or will we allow it to replace the very people who give our stories heart and soul?
The latest Vodafone commercial, produced largely by AI, has been celebrated as a breakthrough in innovation. It’s sleek, it’s efficient, it’s cutting-edge, the song is amazing. But as we applaud the technology, let’s pause to consider the human cost. What happens to the actors, models, voice artists, and production crews who depend on this work when AI begins to take their place?
The Dangers of Leaving People Behind:
AI is an extraordinary tool. It can streamline processes, lower costs, and even spark new ideas. But tools, no matter how advanced, are just that—tools. They lack the spark of human imagination, the authenticity of lived experience, and the connection that only real people can create. And as AI becomes more prominent in industries like advertising and film, we face very real risks.
Jobs at Risk: For every virtual actor or AI-generated voiceover, there’s a person left out of work. A report by the Society of Authors revealed that a third of translators and a quarter of illustrators have already lost work to AI, highlighting the immediate impact on creative professions. Society of Authors
Erosion of Craft: Technology can mimic human creativity, but it can’t replicate it. The greatest stories resonate not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real. A machine can generate a script, but it can’t capture the depth of a human struggle, the nuance of a lived experience, or the magic of a shared moment.
Rising Inequality: Let’s not kid ourselves: the benefits of AI won’t be shared equally. The profits will go to those who own the technology, while the workers who once brought these stories to life , the actors, and the models are left behind. Progress without fairness isn’t progress at all—it’s exploitation.
Now, some might say, “This is just evolution. AI makes things faster, cheaper, and more accessible. It democratizes creativity.” And there’s truth to that. A filmmaker in a small town can now access tools once reserved for Hollywood. An independent creator can bring their vision to life without a massive budget.
But let’s not mistake efficiency for equity. A hammer builds a house, but it can also tear one down. It’s up to us to decide how we use it. Will we wield AI to empower people, or will we let it displace them?The choice is ours.
Imagine an industry where AI and human talent work hand in hand.
Where technology takes on the repetitive tasks, freeing up people to focus on what they do best—telling stories, creating art, and connecting with others. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a real possibility. But it will require leadership, accountability, and a commitment to fairness.
Moreover, it is not just Vodafone. Most of big companies and agencies are exploring AI. Companies like O2 and Coca-Cola along with the big agencies have ventured into AI-generated advertising, creating personalized ads for different cities.
While innovative, these initiatives must be balanced with the preservation of human creativity and their impact to employment!
Progress isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about lifting everyone.
The promise of AI doesn’t have to mean the end of creative livelihoods. It can be a tool for empowerment, equity, and opportunity if we choose to use it that way.
So let’s push for a future where technology serves humanity, not the other way around. Let’s challenge companies to adopt AI responsibly, governments to protect creative workers, and all of us to value the human touch in the stories we tell. Together, we can build a world where progress doesn’t leave anyone behind.
Because at the end of the day, the heart of creativity isn’t found in an algorithm—it’s found in us.
In the TikTok era, politics isn’t about policies—it’s about personas. Elections aren’t won with well-reasoned arguments or carefully crafted policy proposals.
They’re won with 15-second clips designed to grab your attention and hold it just long enough to go viral.
The candidates who thrive aren’t necessarily the most qualified—they’re the most watchable. And that shift is reshaping not just how we vote, but how we think about leadership itself.
The Age of Viral Leadership
TikTok has turned politics into a stage, where candidates perform for an audience of millions, one scroll at a time. In 2024, the race for the White House wasn’t just a campaign—it was a content war.
Kamala Harris’s team created engaging, relatable TikToks that broke down complex issues into bite-sized clips. Donald Trump’s surrogates turned fiery soundbites into viral moments, dominating For You pages across the country.
But here’s the problem: TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t reward depth. It rewards charisma. It rewards spectacle. And it rewards outrage.
In this new political landscape, a perfectly timed joke or a dramatic pause can have more impact than a decade of public service. The candidate who can master the art of going viral often eclipses the one with the best ideas.
The Death of Policy?
TikTok’s emphasis on personas over policies raises a troubling question: What happens to democracy when leadership becomes a performance?
Substance Takes a Back Seat: Nuanced policy discussions can’t compete with the flash and brevity of TikTok content. A 15-second video doesn’t have room for complexity—it’s built for soundbites and slogans.
Popularity Over Qualifications: The platform doesn’t reward experience or expertise. It rewards those who can capture attention, whether through humor, charm, or controversy.
Emotion Over Logic: TikTok’s algorithm amplifies content that triggers strong emotional reactions. That means fear, anger, and outrage often dominate over thoughtful debate.
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the most thoughtful, the most empathetic, and the most committed to progress. But when leadership becomes a competition for clicks, we all lose.
The Dangers of Persona Politics
The rise of the viral politician isn’t just a shift in strategy—it’s a shift in values. When politics becomes a performance, it risks becoming hollow.
Authenticity Becomes a Commodity: Candidates aren’t just trying to connect with voters—they’re trying to sell themselves. Every joke, every dance, every viral moment is carefully calculated for maximum impact.
Trust Erodes: Voters struggle to discern what’s genuine and what’s staged. The line between authenticity and marketing blurs, leaving us skeptical of everyone and everything.
Democracy Becomes Entertainment: The more we consume politics like content, the less we engage with it as citizens. Democracy risks becoming a spectator sport, where we cheer for the most entertaining candidate rather than the most capable one.
When Leadership Is a Meme
Imagine a future where elections aren’t about who has the best vision for the country, but who has the best viral campaign. That future isn’t hypothetical—it’s already here.
In 2024, TikTok rewarded candidates who could dance, joke, and entertain better than their opponents. The result? A political landscape that feels more like a reality show than a democracy.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: The problem isn’t just with TikTok—it’s with us. The algorithm only reflects what we value. And if we value performance over policy, that’s exactly what we’ll get.
Leadership is about more than going viral.
It’s about showing up, doing the work, and making the tough decisions that move us forward. But it’s up to us—voters, citizens, and consumers—to demand that from our leaders.
Here’s how we can push back against the rise of persona politics:
Question What You See: Don’t let charisma overshadow competence. Look beyond the viral clips and dig into the substance.
Demand Better From Candidates: Hold politicians accountable for their policies, not just their performance.
Challenge the Algorithm: TikTok amplifies what we engage with. If we want better leadership, we need to reward better content.
A Future of Leadership or Likes?
The TikTok era of politics has forced us to rethink what leadership means. It’s not about who can craft the best policies—it’s about who can craft the best persona. But that’s not the kind of leadership democracy needs.
So the next time you see a viral political TikTok, ask yourself: Are you watching a leader—or just a performer?
Because democracy isn’t a stage. And leadership isn’t a meme. It’s time we remembered the difference. It is time to see the state of the planet and our lives with the political choices we are making.
Corruption. It’s the shadow cast by power. Governments collapsing under scandal. Corporations exploiting the very communities they claim to serve. Leaders enriching themselves while the people they represent struggle to make ends meet.
The Panama Papers exposed how the wealthy and powerful hide their fortunes, evading responsibility. And in nations both rich and poor, trust in institutions continues to erode.
By 2024, Pew Research reported that a median of 59% are dissatisfied with how their democracy is functioning while a massive 74% think elected officials don’t care what people like them think
We’ve tried reforms. We’ve protested, legislated, and rebuilt systems. But what if the problem isn’t the people in charge? What if it’s the very idea of hierarchy itself?
Imagine a world where there are no leaders—because there’s no need for them.
A world where decisions aren’t made by those at the top but emerge from the collective intelligence of communities. Where power isn’t centralized in capitals or boardrooms but distributed across transparent, decentralized systems.
Thanks to AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies, it’s now becoming a real possibility. But what would it take to get there—and what would we lose along the way?
What Does a World Without Hierarchies Look Like?
Hierarchies have been humanity’s go-to solution for millennia. From monarchies to multinational corporations, they promise structure, efficiency, and leadership. But they also concentrate power in ways that enable exploitation and inequality.
A decentralized society would turn that model upside down. Instead of presidents, CEOs, or influencers calling the shots, communities would govern themselves using collective decision-making. Technology would replace authority, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Here’s how it could work:
The Building Blocks of Decentralization
AI as the Arbiter of Fairness AI systems could mediate decisions that once required human leaders, free from bias or self-interest. For example:
Resource allocation during a drought. Urban planning decisions based on real-time data about community needs.
Imagine an AI that listens to every voice in a community and proposes solutions optimized for fairness. No favoritism. No lobbying. Just equitable outcomes.
Blockchain-Based Governance Blockchain technology could create tamper-proof systems for voting, resource distribution, and accountability. Every decision would be recorded transparently, ensuring no backroom deals or hidden agendas.Picture a government where citizens vote on policies directly, with every vote securely recorded and publicly accessible. Leaders wouldn’t govern—you would.
Community-Driven Economies Instead of multinational monopolies, decentralized systems would empower local markets. Smart contracts on blockchain platforms would ensure fair wages, ethical sourcing, and equitable profit distribution.Think of a farmer selling directly to consumers worldwide, bypassing middlemen while ensuring sustainable practices.
What Happens to Identity Without Leaders?
But decentralization isn’t just a technological shift—it’s a cultural one. Hierarchies don’t just organize societies; they shape how we see ourselves.
Without Leaders, Who Inspires Us? Celebrities, politicians, and CEOs aren’t just authority figures—they’re symbols. In a world without hierarchies, where do we find inspiration? Can the masses survive without them?
Without Status, What Drives Ambition? If there’s no ladder to climb, how do we define success? Does competition fuel creativity, or does it stifle it?
Without Power, Who Takes Responsibility? Decentralization requires participation. It’s not enough to vote once in a while or consume passively. In a leaderless world, we all have to step up.
The Risks of Decentralization
While decentralization offers immense potential, it’s not without risks:
Gridlock Without centralized authority, decision-making could become paralyzed by disagreement. How do you resolve conflicts when there’s no one to mediate?
Manipulation of Technology If AI and blockchain govern society, who builds and controls these systems? Can we trust algorithms to be fair—or will they reflect the biases of their creators?
The Return of Hierarchies Even in decentralized systems, power could consolidate in new ways. Tech elites could shape algorithms, or charismatic figures could dominate community dynamics.
Technology alone won’t solve our problems. The real test of decentralization isn’t whether we can build the tools—it’s whether we can ensure those tools serve everyone, not just the powerful few.
A Decentralized Future: Promise or Peril?
Decentralization isn’t just about dismantling hierarchies. It’s about building something better. Imagine a world where:
Power is shared, not hoarded.
Resources are distributed based on need, not influence.
Communities govern themselves, free from exploitation and corruption.
Progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people dare to ask: ‘What if?’ What if power didn’t flow from the top down but from the bottom up? What if fairness wasn’t a privilege but a principle? What if we could reimagine not just who leads us, but how we lead ourselves?
A world without hierarchies isn’t just a possibility—it’s a choice
The question isn’t whether we can build it. The question is whether we will.
Imagine a society where corruption is impossible because transparency is built into every decision, where inequality is dismantled because power is distributed equally. Where leadership isn’t a position—it’s a collective responsibility.
The future isn’t written by the few. It’s written by all of us.
So let’s ask ourselves: What kind of world do we want to create? One defined by the failures of the past—or one shaped by the possibilities of the future?
Because the time for bold ideas isn’t someday. It’s now while the old world starts to disappear.
The reckless consumerism of the 2020s has given way to something new. Every product on the shelf is regenerative, designed to heal the planet and rebuild communities. Every ad you see isn’t just a promise—it’s a commitment.
But this transformation didn’t come easily. It demanded innovation, courage, and a reckoning with the role advertising plays in shaping society.
Because when every product is sustainable, when every company claims to do good, how do brands stand out? How does advertising remain relevant, or even ethical?
The answer lies at the intersection of technology, transparency, and purpose. This is a future where advertising doesn’t just sell—it inspires. Where AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a force for accountability. And where the stories we tell don’t just move markets—they move humanity forward.
In 2035, advertising is no longer about selling products—it’s about building connections:
Connection to the Planet: Ads don’t just highlight features; they showcase how each purchase contributes to restoring ecosystems, from planting forests to cleaning oceans.
Connection to People: Brands celebrate equitable supply chains and fair labor practices, proving that every purchase supports communities.
Connection to Values: Consumers don’t align with brands for their logos anymore—they align for their leadership in solving humanity’s greatest challenges.
Advertising has always been about more than what we buy. It’s about who we are, what we stand for, and the world we want to leave behind. In this new era, every message must reflect that truth. Because in 2035, what we sell isn’t just a product—it’s a promise to each other and to the future.
AI has transformed advertising into something more precise, more accountable, and more inspiring than ever before. It’s no longer just about reaching audiences and being only cost-efficient —it’s about understanding them in ways that drive meaningful action.
Here’s how AI shapes the advertising industry in 2035:
Hyper-Personalized Storytelling AI doesn’t just create ads—it creates experiences. Every consumer sees a message tailored to their values, their behaviors, and even their emotional state. A single product ad might tell thousands of stories, each uniquely crafted to resonate deeply.
Dynamic Transparency AI-powered ads provide real-time updates on sustainability metrics. Tap on a clothing ad, and you’ll see its entire lifecycle: where the cotton was grown, how the factory was powered, and how the garment will be recycled when you’re done with it.
Immersive Campaigns With AI and augmented reality, brands create ads that immerse consumers in their impact. Imagine trying on a pair of shoes virtually and watching as forests are replanted in your name.
Radical Transparency: The New Standard
In 2035, trust is everything. Advertising isn’t just about what a product can do—it’s about what it means. Transparency is no longer optional; it’s mandated. Every ad must disclose:
The Product’s Lifecycle: From raw materials to end-of-life disposal.
Social Impact: How workers were treated and how communities benefit.
Regenerative Metrics: The exact carbon offset, water saved, or biodiversity restored by a purchase.
Imagine an ad for a smartphone:
Tap the screen, and you’ll see how its recycled components were sourced, the renewable energy powering its production, and the programs it funds to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas.
This isn’t just marketing—it’s accountability and it’s demanded by law from all the governments in our planet
The Consequences of Complacency
But not every brand has leaped. Those who cling to outdated strategies have faded into irrelevance. Greenwashing in 2035 isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal. Brands that fail to deliver on their promises don’t just lose trust—they disappear.
The companies that thrive in this new world are the ones willing to lead—to take risks, to innovate, and to stand for something greater than profit. Because in 2035, doing the right thing isn’t just good business—it’s the only business that matters.
The Role of Advertising in 2035
Advertising in 2035 isn’t about selling dreams—it’s about building futures. It’s about creating movements that inspire people to act, to invest in a better world, and to demand more from the companies they support.
This isn’t just a shift in marketing—it’s a shift in culture.
Picture this:
A furniture company’s ad invites you to a virtual experience where you can explore the forests they’ve rewilded through your purchases.
A clothing brand runs a campaign offering a subscription for jeans that are repaired, recycled, and replaced—ensuring nothing ends up in a landfill.
These aren’t just ads—they’re promises of a world where business and sustainability work hand in hand.
The stakes have never been higher.
The Advertising Crossroads: Adapt or Become Obsolete
For advertisers, the choice is stark: evolve or vanish. The landscape of advertising has transformed fundamentally by 2035—it’s no longer about mere persuasion, but about creating meaningful platforms for progress.
Each campaign now represents more than a marketing effort; it’s a catalyst for change. Advertisers have the power to educate, inspire, and empower consumers, guiding them towards choices that resonate with their deepest values. But this transformation hinges on a critical element: trust.
The fundamental challenge isn’t about technological innovation or narrative craft. It’s about rebuilding genuine connection in an age of unprecedented transparency and AI-driven precision. Can brands reimagine their role from sellers to partners in collective progress?
The pathway forward demands extraordinary courage. Ethical action is no longer a optional strategy—it’s the fundamental currency of relevance. Brands must recognize that their impact extends far beyond product sales; they are architects of societal transformation.
In 2035, every product is more than a commodity. It’s a promise—to consumers, to communities, to our shared planet. The brands that don’t just make this promise, but fully embody it, will do more than survive. They will be the architects of our collective future.
The choice is clear: Evolve with purpose, or be left behind.
