The Tech Intimacy Scale: Where Do You Stand?

Plus, AI literacy is the future of marketing—here’s what it really means (and why it goes deeper than tools).

Author

Shira Lazar
April 29, 2025

Hey from Miami!

I’ve been on the move lately (hence the slight delay in this week’s newsletter — thanks for your patience!).

Right now, I’m at the POSSIBLE Conference, one of the top events that brings together CMOs, brands, and marketing leaders from around the world.

You might be wondering, what brings me here?

The truth is, a big part of my revenue– whether it’s from What’s Trending, Creators for Mental Health, or my personal brand– comes through partnerships with brands.

And while you might think these deals happen through cold DMs or emails… a lot of it actually happens offline at events like this.

It’s about showing up, meeting people, letting them feel your energy, and building relationships that sometimes turn into partnerships down the line.

Even if there isn’t an immediate opportunity, it’s about planting seeds and having a line in when something does come up. I can’t express enough how important it is to invest in real-world connections.

(Also, a reminder that there are seasons– sometimes you’re in execution mode, sometimes it’s about getting back out there to build and cultivate future opportunities.)

And this trip isn’t just about networking. I’m excited to be hitting the stage here too!

On Wednesday, I’ll be speaking on a panel on “AI and the Future of Creativity,” where we’ll dive into how we can keep innovating while staying rooted in authenticity, originality, and human impact.

If you’re here at POSSIBLE, come say hi!

Find more information on the panel HERE.

The Future of Marketing Is AI Literacy—But What Does That Actually Mean?


92% of marketers anticipate that AI literacy will be a core competency within 2–4 years.
But the reality is: it’s already becoming essential.

Marketers are using AI daily—to generate and refine text, create visuals, personalize content, and brainstorm new ideas.
But true AI literacy isn’t just about using tools.
It’s about thinking with them.

Being AI literate means knowing:

  • How to prompt effectively

  • How to evaluate AI outputs critically (what’s reliable vs. what needs human review)

  • How to refine and elevate AI-generated content

  • How to know when human creativity, judgement, and storytelling are still irreplaceable

According to Canva’s latest AI and Marketing Report, the marketers who develop these skills fastest will be the ones who thrive in the next era of brand building.

ICYMI: Canva’s 47-page AI & Marketing Report is packed with insights like this—plus where budgets are shifting, how marketers are integrating AI day-to-day, and what new skills will define the future of creativity.

Other headlines to check out:

AI

Creator Economy

Web3 


🎧 New Episode of The AI Download: How AI Could Save (or Break) Our Relationships

On the latest episode of The AI Download, I sat down with futurist Cathy Hackl—and we didn’t just talk about AI jobs or rogue chatbots. We talked about intimacy.

Cathy introduced a powerful idea she's working on: the Tech Intimacy Scale—a way to measure how technology either deepens or erodes human connection. At one end, tech brings us closer together. At the other, it isolates us.

It made me wonder: if AI can now curate your inbox, write your love letters, and even suggest your next date...what happens to the spark?

Cathy’s perspective isn’t anti-tech—it’s about using AI to augment our humanity, not overwrite it. Emotional intelligence, creativity, and empathy aren’t just “nice to have” anymore—they're survival skills. And as new tools reshape how we meet, love, and stay connected, the real question isn’t if we use AI, but how.

🎙️ Listen now to get caught up on the AI headlines you need to know plus insights on future of life, creativity and culture. 

Gentle Reminder 🙏

My formula for success was very simple: Do whatever is put in front of you with all your heart and soul without regard for personal results. Do the work as though it were given to you by the universe itself - because it was. - Michael Singer, The Surrender Experiment

👋 This newsletter is made possible thanks to our partner, Canva.

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Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,