In an era where anyone can create with AI, trust is the weapon of the shy
"If anyone can create content with AI, is there a chance for someone like me who is shy and can't show my face?"
"But in the end, the skillful and the attention-grabbers will win, right..."
I understand that feeling all too well.
I used to think the same thing for a long time.
Hello, this is Nori.
I was looking at the news this morning, and I paused for a moment.
Ikehaya-san's new teaching material, themed around "no face reveal needed with voice cloning," was released and hit number one with 400 copies sold.
On the same day, Google announced the personal avatar feature for Vids.
In other words, the era where you can create decent content without showing your face or using your own voice has already arrived.
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What happens when the "cost of creation" drops?
When I first saw this news, I honestly thought this:
"Then doesn't that mean there's less of a role for humans?"
But after thinking about it for a bit, I realized it's the opposite.
As the barrier to creation lowers, content itself will overflow. AI-generated videos and AI-written text will surely continue to increase from here on out.
When that happens, the value of things that increase will decrease.
Conversely, the value of things that do not decrease—things that cannot be replaced—will gradually rise.
So, what are the things that cannot be replaced?
I believe that is the trust of "I want to rely on this person."
Anyone can create now.
But people will still be the ones choosing "who to rely on" until the very end.
This is the essence of it.
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The story of how I kept getting chosen while working from home, without ever showing my face
Writing it this way might sound like a platitude.
So, I will tell you my own story.
I am a former systems engineer who quit my job after 10 years due to adjustment disorder.
I am shy and a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.
I am not particularly good at posting content, and I am not the type to show my face everywhere.
It has been two and a half years since I started working from home as an online assistant.
Thankfully, a client once told me this.
“There is no replacing you, Nori-san.”
Honestly, I was happy.
But at the same time, it was a mystery. I hadn't shown any special skills, nor had I posted anything that stood out.
So, what was I doing?
Looking back, everything I did was truly modest.
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Trust shows up most in “how you communicate”
I will organize what I have been doing diligently into three points.
Not a single one of them involves special skills.
Point 1: Reply as quickly as possible
The thing I have been most conscious of is the speed of my replies.
It doesn't have to be a perfect answer.
A simple "I've confirmed this, I'll get back to you by this evening" is enough.
Whether or not you say this one line makes a huge difference in the other person's peace of mind.
For someone shy like me, this was a welcome discovery.
Even if you aren't good at talking, you can build trust regardless of your personality by being quick to reply.
Point 2: Don't hide mistakes
If you are working, mistakes will inevitably happen.
I have messed up many times myself.
I understand the urge to hide them when that happens.
But a hidden mistake will always come back to haunt you later, and it will be bigger.
That's why you should say something as soon as you notice it.
"I'm sorry, I made a mistake here. I will fix it like this."
Reporting a mistake is scary.
But in the long run, people who can be honest are the ones who are trusted.
Point 3: Don't delay reporting
What makes the other person most anxious is when they don't know what's going on right now.
That's why I share progress updates frequently.
"I've started on it."
"I'm halfway done."
"I've finished, please check it."
That's all it takes.
But just by having this update, the other person can feel at ease and focus on their own work.
Don't make the other person feel uneasy. This is the greatest consideration that a shy person can offer.
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AI cannot yet create "peace of mind"
I have realized something about these three things.
None of them are "creation" tasks that AI excels at.
Speed of reply.
Honesty in admitting mistakes.
Frequent updates.
These are all tasks that build up the sense of security in the other person's heart that "this person is reliable."
We have entered an era where content can be mass-produced by AI.
However, peace of mind is still something that only people can build steadily.
That is precisely why, even if you are not good at showing your face or are not skilled at broadcasting, there are still places where you can compete.
That is what I believe.
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Finally
As the hurdle for creating with AI lowers, the value of "who to ask" increases.
And what determines that "who to ask" is not flashy achievements, but rather the politeness of daily communication.
Reply quickly
Do not hide mistakes
Do not delay reports
These are all things you can imitate starting today.
Why don't you also add just one piece of communication to today's interactions that won't make the other person feel uneasy?
Even a quick update before you start is fine.
Those small, consistent efforts will turn into "I need you" after half a year.
Slow and steady really does win the race, doesn't it?
Let's build up trust together, one step at a time!
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Thank you so much for reading until the end.