Narrative Persuasion and Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Brand Communication: Psychological Storytelling, AI-Driven Personalization, and the Ethics of Human-AI Collaboration

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence has been transforming the field of strategic brand communications by leading the development of personalized and data-driven consumer experiences. However, it is also important to consider how psychological storytelling establishes the foundational communication strategy that can build emotional connection, trust, and long-term consumer relationships. This research paper explores the intersection of storytelling psychology and AI-powered brand communications by synthesizing research on narrative persuasion, consumer engagement, AI-driven personalization, and the limitations of Large Language Models. The paper also examines how AI technologies such as predictive analytics, automated content generation, conversational chatbots, and personalized recommendations are reshaping consumer-brand interactions through scalable and adaptive communication strategies. Finally, the paper considers the ethics of human-AI collaboration, including how AI intersects with social, cultural, and religious identities, and examines the communication limitations of contemporary AI systems. Despite their ability to generate human-like language, LLMs are argued to lack semantic grounding, lived experience, and genuine communicative intent, which raises questions about the depth of connection AI-mediated communication can achieve on its own.