Center Director Nur Uysal (podium) introduces panel participants. L-R: Nekia Nichelle, Rebecca Weissman, Rebecca Camhi, Jenny Heinrich, Grace Wang (moderator). Industry leaders delved into the evolving landscape of influencer marketing in the AI era, exploring both the opportunities and challenges that come with emerging technologies during the panel discussion "Behind the Buzz: Ethical and Legal Essentials for Influencers and Brands in the AI Era," held on March 10, 2025.A key takeaway? Human relationships remain at the heart of influencer marketing. Trust, authenticity, and brand congruence continue to be the pillars of successful influencer-brand partnerships, even as AI-generated influencers enter the space. An expert panel moderated by Associate Professor Grace Wang included:
- Rebecca Camhi – Influencer Lead, Unilever (Dove)
- Rebecca Weissman – Senior Counsel, Loftus & Eisenberg
- Nekia Nichelle – Founder & CEO, The N Brand Agency
- Jenny Heinrich – Founder & CEO, Jenny Heinrich LLC consultancy, Influencer Relations Adjunct Faculty
The discussion focused on the advantages and drawbacks of AI-driven influencers, sharing examples of brands that have successfully leveraged them—and those that have struggled. They also tackled the ethical and legal complexities of AI-driven content, particularly in health and wellness marketing, emphasizing the need for responsible communication when promoting medical or wellness products.
Topics also explored representation and inclusion in AI-created influencers, the pitfalls of a lack of diverse and authentic voices, and the value of aligning purpose-driven influencer partnership with brand values and consumer expectations.
"AI is reshaping influencer marketing, offering new possibilities but also raising critical ethical and legal questions. At the core of every successful influencer-brand relationship are trust, authenticity, and responsibility. While AI can enhance strategies, it can never replace the human connections that make influencer marketing truly impactful. Influencers are not just brand ambassadors; they are cultural voices and social actors in today's public sphere, shaping conversations, influencing perceptions, and driving meaningful engagement." – Associate Professor Nur Uysal, Director, Center for Communication Engagement
Looking ahead, panelists advised brands, content creators, and legal teams to stay agile, lead with authenticity, and prioritize ethical transparency as the industry continues to evolve.Ask an Expert
Jenny Heinrich breaks down the world of influencers and brand partnerships in this DePaul Newsline interview. Read more.