#AI and the future

CHARLES O’TUDOR

Charles O’Tudor, PhD, a brand strategist, public speaker, and businessman, is the group principal consultant of ADSTRAT bmc. He can be reached at comment@businessamlive.com 

I have watched with intense wonder how we are slowly entering an era some call the AI age, while others prefer a slightly more dramatic tone — the AI wars.  

In a recent video by YouTuber Johnny Harris, he speaks of two hypothetical armies: one equipped with the latest AI technology [autonomous drones and predictive analytics] and the other relying solely on human intelligence and speed to carry out calculations and formations.  

Part of the conclusion in that video is that AI enables one army to work faster, calculate at superhuman speeds, and make more precise decisions — while the army without AI is still trying to set up camp.  

There is also the argument that Africa is not ready for AI — case in point: Nigeria.  

Most argue, “We don’t have food; why should we be bothered with AI?”

While poverty and addressing basics such as electricity are essential before discussing Nigeria’s role in AI advancement, this argument has its merits — the infrastructure necessary to manage these systems consumes a ton of electricity, which we currently lack.  

As a researcher, if there is anything I have learned about changing times and following trends, it’s that trends can be unforgiving. They leave you with little choice — either you join the circus or get left behind.  

The world of tech and recent advancements has shown a sector that doesn’t care to ask, “Are you ready?” It’s an industry always on its marks, set, and going.  

The US has so far led this charge, being home to the world’s most powerful chip maker, NVIDIA, and other tech giants. It has had the first-mover advantage for a long time — until now.  

Insert China.  

DeepSeek is an AI model developed in China, and its release caused investors in the US tech market to panic, wiping almost a trillion dollars from the market. Its advantages? It was developed far more cheaply and requires less computing power to run.  

As the most downloaded app on the App Store, what could possibly go wrong?

A lot.  

As with everything, branding helps companies craft compelling narratives about themselves. The most damaging narrative for any tech company involves data privacy and safety issues.  

Users are divided, but the majority would rather stick with the safer option US companies provide because there is a brand narrative of stronger policies protecting user data from being mined by private individuals or the US government — compared to their Chinese counterparts. 

Now, this is not to accuse the Chinese of foul play or to absolve the US of any wrongdoing.  

The brand narrative simply favours one more than the other.

Branding is not just about talking about something — it’s about showing that you are doing what you claim.  

We have seen numerous Senate hearings where US tech founders are put on the spot and grilled about data privacy. We can’t say the same for the other big player.  

This is part of the trust-building process.  

Long term, what matters is not who actually protects user data the most, but who people feel protects their data better. That will determine the ultimate winner.  

Unless, of course, this becomes another century-long exchange with no victor and no vanquished — just competitors putting out better products for end-users.

We watch!

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