Market pro-human services and products against dystopian AI advertising.

A provocative ad campaign with the slogan 'stop hiring humans' by an AI company called Artisan has sparked significant backlash in several major cities, including London, San Francisco, and New York. Many people are calling it 'ragebait' and drawing parallels to dystopian cyberpunk themes like Blade Runner and Neuromancer, which they definitely don't want to see become a reality. They emphasize that "cyberpunk is a warning, not a goal." Even though the company might have succeeded in getting attention (and possibly even securing funding), this strong negative public sentiment opens up some clear marketing and commercial opportunities:

1. "Pro-Human" Branding & Services:

   • Marketing Opportunity: Companies can position themselves as 'pro-human' or 'human-centric.' This means highlighting their reliance on human artisans, skilled labor, and ethical business practices.
   • Commercial Opportunity: There may be increased demand for products and services that visibly prioritize human involvement and craftsmanship. Businesses can highlight "Made by Humans," "Human-Powered Support," or "Ethical Tech" in their branding.

2. Satirical & Critical Merchandise Market:

   • Marketing & Commercial Opportunity: The strong 'cyberpunk is a warning, not a goal' sentiment, along with phrases like "Don't create the Torment Nexus," can fuel a market for satirical merchandise. This could include apparel, posters, and accessories that critique the aggressive AI push and dystopian corporate messaging. It taps directly into the expressed frustration and desire for a more human-centered future.

3. Ethical AI Positioning:

   • Marketing Opportunity: For other AI companies, this backlash offers a chance to differentiate themselves by promoting ethical AI development, AI for human augmentation (rather than replacement), and transparent practices. They can position themselves as the responsible alternative to aggressive, job-displacing AI narratives.
   • Commercial Opportunity: Businesses and consumers may actively seek out AI solutions from companies that demonstrate a commitment to ethical guidelines and positive societal impact, creating a preference for "AI for Good" providers.

4. Content & Community Around Ethical Tech:

   • Marketing Opportunity: Creating content (articles, videos, podcasts) that discusses the ethical implications of AI, critiques dystopian tech trends, and promotes human-centric technology can attract an engaged audience.
   • Commercial Opportunity: This can lead to building communities, platforms, or consultancy services focused on responsible tech development and navigating the societal impact of AI.

The key takeaway is that Artisan's 'ragebait' strategy, while generating attention, has solidified a negative public perception of overtly job-replacing AI, creating a vacuum for brands and products that champion human value and ethical technological advancement.