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Creativity Under Threat
Will AI be the Downfall of Human Creativity?
Will AI be the downfall of Human creativity? AI has become more accessible in recent years, and with this rise, there has been an ongoing debate about whether or not it’s threatening human creativity. Many people argue that AI could eventually overtake the creativity of human minds. This topic raises concerns over the credibility and originality of AI-generated content. In this post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of AI to better understand its impact on human creativity.
Pros of AI:
Enhanced Efficiency: AI can help creative industries such as art and music by speeding up production, allowing for more work to be done at a faster rate.
Idea Generation: AI assists artists by sparking new ideas and brainstorming concepts. While it doesn’t replace the artist’s role, it acts as a tool to complement the artist’s creativity.
Access to Information: AI makes it easier to access vast amounts of information and knowledge, broadening the creative process.
Issues with AI:
Diminished Creative Innovation: The risk of losing human ingenuity as we rely more on AI for creative processes.
Copyright and Ownership Issues: AI’s role in reproducing and potentially infringing on the intellectual property of creators.
Loss of Human Originality: As AI continues to take over creative tasks, human originality could diminish.
Over-reliance on AI: This could lead to people losing the necessary skills to create on their own material.
Similarity/Homogeneity: AI-generated content risks being too similar, reducing the diversity and innovation in artistic outputs.
Discrimination: AI models might create biases due to flawed training data.
Misuse of AI: AI tools can be misused, leading to unethical or harmful content.
Exploring the Positives of AI and Human Creativity:
Many people argue about the facts, truths, and lies of AI and whether the usage of it is ethical in terms of creativity, but as much about the positives of AI. Positives of AI: It increases people's ability to work more efficiently, helping them finish more work at a faster, constant rate. An article by tCognition on LinkedIn says that AI helps with speed and efficiency. The writer states, “The use of Generative AI allows creators to create work in a fraction of the time that it would normally take. AI reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks such as generating visual concepts and composing music. This allows creative teams to concentrate on improving their ideas.” As more creators use Generative AI, the more efficient and faster they will be able to complete their work.
Likewise, another article on the positives of AI states that it enhances people's ability to be more creative, contrary to the belief that AI reduces people's creativity. AI helps people be more creative because they can just add on to the ideas or create new connections between new concepts. The article states, “One of the most significant benefits of AI in creative industries is the enhancement of creativity and innovation. AI can recognize patterns, analyze volumes of data, and generate new and unique ideas that would otherwise not be immediately apparent to human creators.”
Primarily, AI does help with creativity if used properly because it can generate new ideas and connections with the massive amounts of data it's trained on. This could positively impact jobs by improving efficiency. It could also help workers create new connections between different ideas.
In an article posted on Bipartisan Policy Center by John Soroushian states,” AI often improves net worker productivity in the limited set of tasks studied. The studies we examined controlled for relevant factors and measured certain performance metrics for workers with AI tools relative to those without.” The article talks about the positives of using AI in the workforce and how it could help guide and excel creativity in jobs.
Exploring the Dangers of AI and Human Creativity:
Many people are raising concerns about the dangers of overreliance on AI in creative industries.
A post on Torc highlights the danger of becoming too dependent on AI: “An over-reliance on AI for creative inspiration and execution could lead to stagnation in human ingenuity. The unique perspectives and inventive ideas that characterize human creativity might be overshadowed as creators become increasingly dependent on AI solutions.” In other words, as creators lean more on AI, the risk of losing the rich variety that fuels cultural and artistic advancement becomes very real.
Similarly, a study by PMC (National Library of Medicine) warns that, "Skills that are not used tend to become degraded, following the exercise principle of ‘Use it or lose it.’ If generative AI does our creative work for us, we risk losing our creativity because we do not exercise it." The idea that relying on AI too heavily could lead to a loss of our natural creative abilities is a powerful point to consider.
Ahh Brainly, even though it may not be the most reliable source, one of its contributors expressed some good points. The person posts: “The reliance on technology as a crutch for creativity can lead to a loss of imagination and originality. Tools like digital design software, automated music composition programs, and AI-generated content may streamline the creative process, but they also homogenize artistic expression. As we become increasingly reliant on pre-programmed algorithms and templates, our ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries of creativity diminishes.” The writer makes a strong point about how algorithms and templates can limit creativity by restricting the creative process, preventing them from thinking outside the box.
The Counterpoint: Does AI Lack True Creativity?
Some experts argue that AI can’t replicate the depth of human creativity. Author Bruce Hale, for example, states that AI “lacks human experience and emotions. One of the essential qualities that makes a novel unique is the ability of the author to imbue it with their personal experience and emotions. A novel is not just a collection of robot words, but a reflection of the author’s life, thoughts, and experiences.” Hale’s perspective highlights that AI-generated content can’t tap into the human experience the way a person can. AI doesn’t have emotions or personal experiences to bring to a story or piece of art, which makes its creative output feel disconnected from real human life. It doesn't have the same true creativity that connects with the reader; unlike humans, AI is just some automated response that's generated through the user's input to deliver the user’s request.
Bruce Hale also points out, “AI cannot replicate human creativity. Creativity is not just about generating new ideas but also about connecting different ideas in innovative ways. Human beings have the ability to come up with unique combinations of ideas, which are not possible for AI to replicate.” This is an interesting insight because it suggests that human creativity isn’t solely about creating something new—it’s about incorporating existing ideas in ways that AI simply can’t mimic.
Dr. Netrice R. Gaskins is an African American digital artist, academic, cultural critic, and advocate of STEAM fields. In her work, she explores techno-vernacular creativity and Afrofuturism.” So far, she argues that anyone can use AI with the right tools to create art, but if they want a better product, they would need actual artists. In an article she wrote, Dr. Gaskins states, “The first time 'artist’s hand' was mentioned with AI art was back in 2019, when Wagner James Au interviewed me for his blog and it showed up on BoingBoing, a web aggregator. “Aaron_Hertzmann” worked for Adobe Research, and we were debating Deep Dream Generator, the tool I was using at the time to generate images. Hertzmann wrote, “They show the artist’s hand in making them fully realized.” Anybody with access can use the tool, but to get better output, artists are needed. Always.” Without an artist's input, art created by AI wouldn’t be as good or as sophisticated as an artist's work.
The Consequences of AI: Copyright and Ownership Issues
Another critical issue surrounding AI in creative industries is copyright and ownership. According to a Congressional Research Service document, AI systems are trained using massive amounts of data, including copyrighted material. This training process often involves making digital copies of existing works, which can raise questions about whether the usage of AI would be ethical if it infringes on the intellectual property rights of creators. The document states, “Creating such copies without permission may infringe the copyright holders’ exclusive right to make reproductions of their work.”
The document further discusses whether AI outputs could infringe copyright laws: “AI programs might also infringe copyright by generating outputs that resemble existing works.” The document also states, “AI programs might also infringe copyright by generating outputs that resemble existing works. Under U.S. case law, copyright owners may be able to show that such outputs infringe their copyrights if the AI program both (1) had access to their works and (2) created “substantially similar” outputs.” If AI has access to copyrighted content and generates something “considerably similar” to those works, there could be serious legal implications, especially as more people start to rely on AI to create art, music, and writing.
Conclusion: Is AI a Threat to Creativity?
So, where does this leave us? The research shows a repeating theme: over-reliance on AI is the real threat to human creativity. While AI can undoubtedly enhance productivity and spark new ideas, overusing it could lead to a loss of our natural creative abilities. The true danger lies in leaning too heavily on AI and allowing it to replace the processes that keep the creative muscles in our prefrontal cortex active. However, when used correctly and strategically, AI has the potential to enhance creativity and efficiency in ways that benefit the arts, rather than replace them.
Closing Note:
This blog is part of #OwnTheAlgorithm, iFp’s Emerging Innovators campaign to rethink how AI is built—and who it’s built for. We invite young people and the communities they’re part of to question AI systems, claim their role in its development, and build a future where AI reflects our values, not just profit.
Question it. Own it. Build it.
Sources:
Barriers to AI for All
With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence and with the significance that it has and will have in the future in people's everyday lives, it is important to keep in mind how accessible it is to different groups of people. The sad reality is that AI is mostly accessible to people who are more economically and technologically advanced. The US and China control most of the world’s most advanced AI models, which creates this problem of a digital divide between people in different social classes and different parts of the world. Communities outside of the US and China have more trouble getting access to AI because of limited access to high-speed internet and resources. As a community with more power and resources, it is essential we find ways to help reduce this digital divide around the world. We need to do this to help give communities equal access and opportunity to this tool that will be prevalent in everyone's lives in the future.
Understanding the Digital Divide
To start coming up with solutions to this problem, we need to understand all the different issues involving this topic. There are two different main barriers that exist with this problem of the digital divide. The barrier between the higher resourced people and the lower resourced people, and the barrier between people outside of the US and China, and the people living in the US and China. The most prevalent issue involving the digital divide is the accessibility to that technology.
In general, lower-resourced people and people outside of the US and China have less access to AI, and higher-resourced people and people in the US or China have more access to it, which can pose a major ethical concern. Another major issue involving this digital divide is how informed different groups are on AI and how informed they are on how to use it in an optimized and innovative way. In a study done by the UNDP, it was shown that lower-resourced people and people outside of the US and China, mostly in the southern hemisphere and specifically Latin America and the Caribbean, have less experience and understanding of how AI works. This can affect how useful AI is in the ways that it is used and how it can be used to produce money in different places.
Local Solutions to a Global Challenge
There is no simple or fast solution to solving this problem, but we can always try to implement ideas or facilities that could help with these problems in our communities and encourage other people to do the same. One thing that we could encourage our local city governments to do is implement free high-speed internet and computers with access to AI in public, accessible facilities. Advertising AI is just as important as implementing the resources, so that lower-resourced people are more inclined to go and use it in these public places for free. This would help reduce the digital divide. At the same public libraries, there could be free classes directed by professionals on AI to spread awareness and knowledge on AI to optimize its usage among users and educate people with less access to money and information on AI. Solving this issue of the digital divide gets more complicated when we have to try and fix it outside of our communities and outside of the US.
Global Responsibility and Policy Change
The most impactful thing that the US government or other more economically advanced countries could do to help the digital divide is to try to normalize access to the internet in countries with less economic power and technological advancement. Another thing that we could do is raise awareness and speak out against the US government limiting global access to AI knowledge and tools. By restricting the flow of information and critical technology, the U.S. deepens the digital divide, especially in countries already struggling with limited access. If the government made AI research findings and essential hardware more accessible worldwide, it would help close the knowledge gap and allow more nations to contribute to and benefit from the future of AI.
Why Inclusive AI Matters
Everyone having equal access to AI is very important so that this technology can advance in an unbiased and progressive way. If only two main groups have most of the control of AI, this could cause a lack of views and perspectives when making and using machine learning to teach AI. This could lead to a major problem of bias in AI, which could lead to very harmful outputs if not fixed properly. Machine learning and databases are the most important factors of how AI functions. If these databases lack perspectives or are only managed by certain groups of people, it could lead to bias in what the AI outputs to people using this software, and the outputs that the AI produces could be harmful to certain groups of people.
AI as a Tool for All
Apart from the fact that having multiple perspectives is important to reduce bias in machine learning, giving access to AI is important because everyone deserves to be able to use this tool to its full potential despite what economic position they might be in. AI is becoming a revolutionary tool around the world and is becoming more and more normalized in our day-to-day lives, so it is essential to be familiar with it. No one deserves to be left behind or denied access to the tools and knowledge that shape our future. That’s why expanding access to AI is urgent
In Conclusion: A More Equitable AI Future
In conclusion, the digital divide in AI and technology is one of the most urgent challenges we face. It’s not just a question of fairness and equal opportunity, but it limits our collective progress. AI is a revolutionary tool that has the power to improve lives, solve problems, and spark new ideas. But only if everyone has a seat at the table.
That’s why we must act now to close this gap. By working together to expand access, share knowledge, and demand inclusion, we can build a future where AI serves all of humanity.
Closing Note:
This blog is part of #OwnTheAlgorithm, iFp’s Emerging Innovators campaign to rethink how AI is built—and who it’s built for. We invite young people and the communities they’re part of to question AI systems, claim their role in its development, and build a future where AI reflects our values, not just profit.
Question it. Own it. Build it.
Bibliography:
“AI equity: Ensuring access to AI for all”, Gates Foundation, Accessed: January 28, 2025. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/science-innovation-technology/artificial-intelligence
“Can you teach AI without access to AI?”, Women in AI Ethics, Accessed: January 28, 2025, https://womeninaiethics.org/can-you-teach-ai-without-access-to-digital-technology%F0%9F%A4%94/
“Accessibility Powered by AI: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Universalize Access to Digital Content”, The Scholarly Kitchen, Accessed: January 28, 2025,
“Artificial Intelligence as the Reason and the Solution of Digital Divide”, LEJ Journal, Accessed: January 28, 2025, https://langedutech.com/letjournal/index.php/let/article/view/53/42
“The ‘AI divide’ between the Global North and the Global South”, World Economic Forum, Accessed: January 29, 2025,
“The AI Revolution is Here: How Will Latin America and the Caribbean Respond?”, UNDP, Accessed: January 29, 2025,
“Artificial Intelligence and Inequality: Challenges and Opportunities”, Qeios, Accessed: January 29, 2025, https://radensa.ru/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Artificial_Intelligence_and_Inequality_Challenges_.pdf
“Unequal Access to AI and Its Cultural Implications”, Medium, Accessed: January 29, 2025, https://medium.com/the-modern-scientist/unequal-access-to-ai-and-its-cultural-implications-0948a8042c91.
Why AI? with iFp Innovators
Our Voices of 2 Blocks podcast enjoyed an incredible three-season run, building a dedicated following. The co-hosts became known for their captivating interviews and thought-provoking insights. Now, we’re thrilled to see the next generation of iFp leaders stepping up and putting their unique spin on a fresh podcast: Why AI? with iFp Innovators.
Why AI? isn’t just another tech podcast—it uncovers the good, the bad, and the unseeable. From the ways AI is already shaping our daily lives to the ethical dilemmas defining tomorrow, this podcast dives deep into what AI really means for all of us—with a fresh perspective only Gen Z can bring.
Support these inspiring young innovators and subscribe to Why AI? with iFp Innovators, available now on your favorite podcast platforms!
https://innovatorsforpurpose.org/whyai
Do Black Faces Not Count As Faces?
This summer we launched a campaign called “How Do We Become the We?” inspired by a Ted Talk that posed a critical question,“What kind of AI do we want to build or allow to be built? We must choose what AIs we bring into the world, or not.”
As the presenter repeatedly used the word “we,” we asked our students, Are we part of the ‘we’ being referenced? The consensus was clear - they didn’t think so. Yet, we all agreed on one truth: that certain problems will never be solved unless those most impacted are at the center of creating the solutions. That’s why it critical that we become the “we.”
One of the most powerful creations to emerge from this exploration is Black Faces, a moving spoken word that was named the winner of Dr. Joy Buolamwini’s Algorithmic Justice League Cypher Competition. Dr. Joy, best-selling author of Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines, has long inspired our work.
We invite you to watch their video above and witness the power of Black Faces—a bold reminder of why we must work to redefine who gets to shape the future of AI.
Credits:
Writing and Performance by iFp Innovators Liya, Soley, and Meron
Images in collaboration with Mid Journey