I like to try out new generative AI tools, from image generators and music programs to the new possibilities offered by Microsoft Copilot. In addition to trying these out, there is one Gen-AI that has become an integral part of my everyday life – ChatGPT. I use it almost daily, whether for quick spelling and grammar checks of emails, organizing my thoughts for papers or summarizing longer texts into short bullet points. The focus of my use is therefore clearly related to my studies and I suspect that many others are in a similar situation. When I walk through the library at my home university, I see an open ChatGPT window on almost every screen. In conversations with friends, I also notice how much its use has increased – especially for university purposes.
I am noticing more and more that ChatGPT is often used before anyone has even seriously considered a topic. Group work is a good example. Often, the first step is to pass the task or assignment on to ChatGPT instead of developing solution ideas yourself. Classic brainstorming is replaced or at least strongly influenced by the AI’s answers. The tool remains present throughout the rest of the project, for example when it comes to checking whether a task has been adequately answered or what criticisms could be made of one’s own work.
This raises the question for me: Is this a more efficient way of working and a good use of new technology? Or have we simply become too lazy to think for ourselves?
I see the danger that the constant use of AI won’t change our creative work processes for the better. Any deviations, spontaneous thoughts, or unusual ideas that might otherwise have arisen are less likely to occur because we are heavily influenced by AI suggestions. This also often leads to similar results. As a result, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to really get to know new topics and develop individual thought processes.
AI should not take away our curiosity, our willingness to experiment and our struggle to find our own solutions but rather support us in doing just that. So, before we open ChatGPT the next time, we should ask ourselves: Is it really worth using right now or am I denying myself the opportunity to develop my own solution?
What about you, do you use ChatGPT directly or do you think things through first and then supplement your ideas with the help of AI?
I totally agree with your opinion. I can confirm from my side that it also applies to me; instead of brainstorming, we are prone to using ChatGPT for generating ideas. These actions are creating danger for present and future generations, whereas critical thinking is decreasing exponentially. I am still wondering if AI could lead to a more efficient way of learning or if it actually harms us.
I really like your reflection! I recognize a lot of what you describe, especially in group work where ChatGPT is often used as the first step. I also think it can be super helpful, but you are right that it sometimes makes us skip our own brainstorming. For me the best way is to first think of a few ideas myself and then use ChatGPT to check or improve them. That way it feels more like a tool that supports me instead of replacing my thinking.
Hi, I really enjoyed reading your post! I found reading about how AI might affect our creative thinking interesting. Especially in school assignments. In the past I have noticed that ChatGPT generated ideas tend to be a bit safe, bland, and sometimes just uninteresting. Could it be that topic chosen by human brainstorming tend to be just a bit more interesting to read and receive more engagement?
I definitely agree that AI is often used as a shortcut, allowing it to take over our own thinking. When I think back to previous assignments before ChatGPT existed, I would spend hours writing a paragraphs. Now I can get the same work done in just a few seconds, and all I have to do is make a few edits to the text. It is just too tempting not to use.