Perhaps this is more subjective on my part, than objective — but I feel that a lot of the DevRel content that’s currently available, sucks. And feels incredibly monotonous. Yet despite this, it does appear to be a format that many (what I'll refer to as) 'code-centric' engineers enjoy. This format can make it challenging for some ‘generalists’ and some neurodivergents to learn new technologies, or source adequate guidance. For instance, a lot of the web3 content that exists today, lacks character. In part, because concepts tend to be obfuscated by buzzwords and needless complexity.

AI's Proliferation

While I cannot claim to see into the future, my brain has a tendency (even involuntarily) to identify patterns and trends; and then draw conclusions based on these observations. And what I am seeing is that the ability to obtain things directly via AI, will force DevRel folk to appraise their existing approaches to putting out content. Perhaps most especially in the realm of HOW they communicate.

AI the Facilitator

I believe that AI can enhance certain DevRel efforts, such as:

• Constructing writing prompts for technical writers

• Speechwriting aids, summaries etc

• AI can transcribe in real-time

• And possibly even translate livestreams into different languages for different audiences

For those who prefer to automate their post-production workflow as much as possible; then AI tools that can easily chop up film, stitch frames together, and potentially even colour grade, might be useful. Particularly if you’re putting out visual content frequently.

Producing coding examples can become an easier process for DevRel folk, too. Data only exists about the past, however. Any ML model is inherently contingent upon the data that it is trained on, how that data is procured and processed etc.

This means an AI’s ability to facilitate producing coding examples, will always rely upon having data on specific programming languages, protocols, technologies etc. AI is the culmination of datapoints, to a degree. So the happy ideal is AI as an enhancer/facilitaror, rather than a replacer.

Communication

Something I've observed is that code-centric engineers can read the most boring, un-engaging piece of text and still extract value from it. This fascinates me, as my own brain is the opposite. But it stands to reason, that if AI can make it easier to obtain this data; engineers will likely gravitate towards it.

And if this happens: where does that leave DevRel's who have no true anchor points in their content (outside of the data itself)?

Thus I believe that if your DevRel content is tantamount to a data dump, AI is probably going to eat your lunch. But for those who engage their audiences on a 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 level, you will almost always be in demand. Always remember that if a robot can offer what you can offer, then default to your human sensibilities. This will always be your differentiator.