Image AI Generated.
In 2023 I was seated with the editor in the newsroom at People Daily Newspaper and we struck a conversation about a website that gives instant answers to questions. That website was ChatGPT. At the time I was just a reporter and the editor asked me to investigate this “mythical” technology called artificial intelligence and write an article for our technology column.
At the back of my mind I felt the research would not lead to anything serious. I could not fully understand how such a tool could change our lives or affect the internet in a meaningful way. I did minimal research, brushed off the idea, and walked back to the editor. I told him AI adoption was still far away and would not have a serious effect on the internet anytime soon. Just like that, I killed the story idea.
A few months later OpenAI’s ChatGPT became widely adopted. Not long after, Kenya emerged as one of the leading users of ChatGPT worldwide. That moment changed my thinking. I had downplayed AI’s potential. Today AI is part of my daily work and it has reshaped how I research, write and create content.
This experience leads to a bigger question. Is AI becoming the next internet?
AI Is Changing How We Find Information
The internet was built on search. You typed a question, clicked links and read multiple pages. AI is changing that process. Today, AI tools generate instant summaries by pulling information from many sources and presenting a single clear answer. AI Overviews like Google’s summaries now answer questions directly by pulling information from several websites, thus viewers won’t visit individual websites.
For users, this is faster and easier but for websites it is disruptive. This shift explains why publishers are seeing changes in traffic patterns. A case in point is ourselves – JEDCA Media. We often find summaries of our articles on Google Overviews. This means many visitors will get answers from summaries without visiting our website.
To stay visible, websites like ours and other publishers must focus on original reporting, expert insight and deeper explanations. Content that only repeats basic facts is no longer enough.
AI in E-Commerce Is Rewriting Online Shopping
AI is also transforming e-commerce. Yes, you heard that right. Nowadays people will ask Chatgpt or Gemini for recommendations of products. Instead of browsing many product pages, shoppers now ask AI tools for recommendations. AI compares prices, features and reviews within seconds.
For example, a user can ask for the best laptop under a certain budget and receive a direct answer. This reduces the role of traditional product search pages.
Businesses that adapt will win. AI-powered chat assistants, personalized recommendations, and smarter product descriptions are quickly becoming essential. Brands that ignore this shift risk losing customers to competitors that move faster.
The priority now is to fine-tune e-commerce and online platforms so they are easily understood by popular AI chatbots. This makes it easier for AI tools to access product information, assess reviews, and confidently recommend products to users.
AI Is Becoming the First Stop for Content Creation
Content creators are also changing how they work. Many writers and marketers now go straight to AI instead of Google. AI helps generate ideas, explain complex topics and create first drafts quickly.
This does not replace human creativity but reshapes it. For example, I researched, drafted this article and then asked ChatGpt to make it tighter and clearer. In this era, the creator’s role is now to guide AI, add context, ensure accuracy and bring a unique perspective.
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Businesses that use AI content creation strategically can publish more consistently and compete globally. Of course there is always that guilt that using AI to create content is like cheating, I get it. However, you have to understand that speed is your advantage and AI helps you to achieve that. It feels like cheating because you’re used to spending weeks writing and now you can do it in seconds.
As a business, you have to adopt AI to write content for your social media posts, blogs and even product descriptions. It cuts down the time needed to do so and frees you to do other important tasks.
Social media and digital marketing are becoming AI-driven. AI tools can plan content calendars, write captions, analyze engagement and optimize ads automatically. Some tools even adjust campaigns in real time.
This gives businesses speed and efficiency. It also lowers the barrier to entry for smaller brands. Companies that combine AI with strong messaging gain a clear advantage in crowded digital spaces.
What This Means for Businesses and Individuals
AI is no longer optional. It is becoming a core layer of the internet experience. To stay relevant, businesses and individuals must learn how to work with AI.
Success now depends on combining human judgment with AI efficiency. Unique insights, trust and authenticity matter more than ever. AI can deliver answers, but humans provide meaning and direction.
The Future of the Internet in an AI World
The internet is shifting from links and pages to conversations and intelligence. AI is not replacing the internet. It is redefining how we access and use it and those who embrace AI early will shape this future.
Start using AI intentionally by integrating it into research, content creation, marketing and customer engagement workflows, while maintaining a strong focus on originality and real value. Commit to continuous learning and fast adaptation, because the AI wave is already here and those who move with it, rather than resist it, will be the ones who stay relevant and win.
