From “You've Got Mail” to “You’ve Got Prompts”
Posted on Aug. 1, 2025 / Subscribe 0
I’m a Xennial. I’m squished between the tail end of Gen X and the beginning of Millenial, which equates to I know how to pair my earbuds with my phone and I also know how to use a rotary phone. As a student in the mid-90s, I embraced the Internet (yes, the very slow, dial-up Internet) to access information for my school papers. At that time, many people thought the Internet was a trend that would quickly fade. Now, here we are 30 years later, and I am seeing history repeat itself. Instead of learning how to write HTML to create a GeoCities website, now, I am learning how to write effective AI prompts to create digital content.
Just like I did in the early-Internet years, I have embraced using generative AI while navigating how to teach college students to use it effectively and ethically. In my research I’ve learned how generative AI combined with interpersonal skills can prepare PR students for success after graduation in the following ways:
- Improve Strategic & Critical Thinking
Generative AI is good at writing messages, analyzing social media statistics and developing content. Besides knowing how to prompt AI to do these tasks, students need to evaluate if the message fits the targeted audience and detect bias in the AI-generated content. - Strengthen Research & Monitoring
Strategic PR campaigns are grounded in research that includes audience behaviors and values, media trends and market insights. AI tools can help students summarize articles or identify key themes across a collection of information. These platforms also can monitor social media conversations and write insights reports on emerging issues. -
Build Technology Adaptability & Confidence
By learning to work with generative AI, students become comfortable adopting and adapting to new tools. They gain confidence blending creativity and strategy using technology, which any PR professional knows you need when creating a communication plan.
Screeching modems and Netscape Navigator may no longer exist, however my curiosity with technology still remains. Hopefully, my students will feel the same as they learn how to work and grow alongside AI.
0 Comments