Is Brainstorming With AI REALLY A Good Idea?

What do you think creativity is?

I see creating a process, and I've discussed it here. You start by generating an idea, then execute it, refine it, and finally deliver it.

Since 2022, how many of us have already relied on AI in part of our creation process, especially to generate ideas or to brainstorm?

Media, academics, and people I spoke with, including myself, all thought that one of the best uses of AI is to brainstorm ideas with. Some quick stats:

• 90% of creators also said that they believe generative AI tools can help create new ideas.— by Adobe

• In our study, 100% of participants found AI helpful for brainstorming. Only 16% of students preferred to brainstorm without AI.— sc.edu/

• GPT-4 ranked in the top percentile for originality and fluency on the Torrance Tests (the most widely used and validated divergent-thinking tests) of Creative Thinking.— University of Montana

What if I told you that the truth might actually be the opposite?

I want to bring three of the latest studies to your attention today that will answer the following questions:

• Can LLM really help us think outside the box? Or does it silently put our imaginations in a box?

• If AI is only a comfort zone enhancer, what does it mean for those of us who have relied on AI for brainstorming over the years?

• Is there anything we can do… to escape this imagination trap?

Shall we?