The Crisis of AI-Generated Content

Content No One Reads? The Crisis of AI-Generated Material and Dubai's Response

The digital revolution of recent years has almost explosively ushered in the era of AI (artificial intelligence)-driven content production. Nowadays, countless online posts, product descriptions, social media posts, and even news are created with the help of artificial intelligence. But do we actually read these? According to discussions at the Gitex Global 2025 event, more than half of online content is AI-generated, yet fewer people are clicking on these. This phenomenon affects not only content consumption habits but also has significant governmental implications — with Dubai taking a pioneering role.

The Dark Side of AI Content Production: Data, But Not Experience

Currently, 52% of content available on global online platforms is generated by artificial intelligence, while only 48% is human-created, as mentioned in one of the leading panel discussions at the event. However, this statistical majority doesn't translate into popularity or effectiveness: users are increasingly less inclined to click on these machine-generated materials.

The core of the problem isn't the technology itself but the fact that mass-produced AI content often lacks human sensitivity, contextual connection, and the kind of narrative arc that genuinely engages the reader. Even search engines no longer automatically favor these: more algorithms are capable of recognizing when a text is solely machine-created and may rank them lower in search results based on this criterion.

Regulation Can't Wait – Dubai Sets an Example

Dubai and the entire UAE have recognized the urgent need for swift, flexible, and expert-based political responses for regulating artificial intelligence. Traditional legislative speed cannot keep pace with technological innovations, which is why a new approach has been introduced at the governmental level.

Each federal office and numerous Dubai governmental institutions have appointed a leader responsible for artificial intelligence. These so-called "chief AI officers" are not only accountable for the internal developments of their institutions but also participate in global knowledge exchanges, visit technology centers, and discuss regulatory possibilities with international stakeholders.

This approach goes beyond simple reaction. Proactive regulation aims to establish appropriate frameworks even before mass technological proliferation causes serious ethical, social, or economic issues.

Overestimating Technology, Underestimating Humanity

Discourse on AI often swings between two extremes: some believe this technology offers solutions to all problems, while others paint apocalyptic visions of a future dominated by artificial intelligence. Dubai's approach transcends these clichés. The goal is to ensure regulation doesn't stem from fear or ignorance but also doesn't fall short of the required extent.

With any technology, we tend to overestimate its short-term capabilities and underestimate its long-term impacts. This is particularly true for AI, which produces immediate, spectacular results (content generation, image analysis, chatbots, etc.), all the while gradually transforming human thinking, work, and social interactions.

Why Isn't AI Content Engaging?

The answer is simple: it lacks the human element. Users crave not just information but stories, emotions, connections. A machine-generated text that's perfectly structured, logical, yet sterile cannot substitute for that "something" a human mind can infuse.

AI content production is often goal-oriented: SEO, conversion, automated responses. These are important for running a system, but if we want to capture users' attention, we must reintegrate the spontaneity and depth of human communication.

What's Next? Balancing Machine and Human

Dubai and the UAE's example shows that balance is not only possible but essential. AI is a valuable tool but not an ultimate solution. In content production — whether in marketing, news services, or education — human participation remains crucial.

The future may belong to systems where AI and humans create together: artificial intelligence helps organize, expedite, and support creative processes, while humans contribute the uniqueness and empathy no algorithm can replicate.

Summary

In Dubai, there's already recognition that AI is not merely a technological tool but a factor with social and economic impacts. Regulation responds with knowledge and openness, not with fear. Flooding the online world with artificial content is not enough: quality, interest, and relevance remain human factors.

The key to a truly successful digital future is not full automation of AI, but its meaningful, responsible, human-centric integration. Dubai is pointing the way to this direction — and perhaps the rest of the world will follow this example.

(The article is based on a lecture from Gitex Global 2025.)