AI or human? Janet Mbugua asks where people should draw the line
By Trizer Lijondo, September 23, 2026Janet Mbugua has opened a conversation about the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), asking people to consider whether there are parts of their lives they would never hand over to a machine.
The media personality shared her thoughts after attending Goalkeepers, an event where discussions focused on the use of AI in different sectors, including healthcare and agriculture.
Mbugua said the conversations prompted her to think beyond the technical debates surrounding the technology and consider how AI is increasingly becoming part of everyday human interactions.
Looking beyond the fear around AI
Mbugua noted that discussions about AI can often fall into two extremes, with some messages portraying the technology as something that will take opportunities away from everyone, while others present it in an overly positive way.
She questioned who benefits from alarmist messaging while also acknowledging the need to avoid ignoring the realities and challenges that come with AI.
Mbugua said the experience left her in a learning space as she continues to understand the technology and its possible impact.
When convenience becomes personal
The conversation, however, became more personal when Mbugua considered the role AI could play in relationships and communication.
She asked whether people are comfortable using AI to write birthday messages, messages to loved ones or texts to friends who are grieving.
While she acknowledged the convenience of prompting AI to help with such messages, Mbugua questioned whether convenience should always take priority when the words being shared carry emotional meaning.
Her question comes as AI tools become increasingly accessible, allowing users to generate messages within seconds for situations that traditionally required personal thought and effort.
What should remain human?
Mbugua ultimately challenged her followers to identify the one thing they would never allow a machine to do for them.
She asked those who have already used AI for such personal tasks to share their experiences, adding that there would be no judgment.
The question opens a wider conversation about whether technology can assist with human communication without replacing the thought, emotion and personal effort behind it.
For Mbugua, the debate is not simply about rejecting or embracing AI, but learning how to navigate its growing presence while deciding which parts of human life people still want to keep distinctly their own.