Artificial intelligence has become a fundamental part of modern living, driving technological advancements, influencing our work, facilitating our conversations, and even shaping our creative imaginations. AI systems now possess the capability to produce books, write essays, create artwork, compose musical productions, and much more, all within a matter of seconds.
However, with the rise in AI use, a significant concern remains: as we depend more on AI, is our own capacity for creativity fading away?
Ever since the beginning of time, creative spaces have only been able to thrive when met with crucial challenges. Our cognitive skills prominently functioned at their best when we were compelled to push beyond our comfort zones.
So, what has exposure to AI done in this situation? Because AI is so accessible, it has become very easy to hand over our intellectual work and instantly receive results, a practice that ultimately weakens our ability to think and create independently.
Speaking to Tahsin Raisa, 23, a fourth-year student at a private university, she agreed that over-dependency on AI has spread among the youth. “Many young people, including myself, rely heavily on AI for instant results rather than trying to solve problems on our own,” she said. “Another factor is that I’ve realised I have become impatient over time with my critical thinking skills,” she continued.
Eventually, the neural pathways controlling original thought begin to diminish. The essence of creation shifts from discovering new ideas to merely selecting from a list of ready-made results. “Even though it’s embarrassing to admit, I think I have lost my originality in terms of productivity during this process,” shared Nuha Rahman, 24, a student.
For a long time, brainstorming has been recognised as a highly valuable technique for generating creative ideas. Constant dependence on AI notably damages our brainstorming skills. Each time we opt for quick solutions over the effort of brainstorming, we build a habit of mental laziness. As a result, in fields that require analytical thinking, our brains lack the necessary technicalities.
Our heavy dependence on AI is not limited to academic or work-related tasks. Even our ability to socialise and communicate is being harmed, as we increasingly use AI to write messages and manage interactions, replacing the need for genuine human thought.
Nuha shared a relevant story about one of her closest friends: “My friend’s ex-boyfriend broke up with her by sending an AI-generated breakup message. It has been some time now, yet this is still the most hilarious thing to happen in our friend group,” she laughed. “It’s funny, but it also made me realise how much we rely on AI, even in the most personal moments.”
The impact of AI on professional arenas has been undeniable. People in creative fields, such as writers and developers, are increasingly managing AI tools rather than creating the work themselves. Although efficiency improves, this approach undermines the individual creative effort needed for skill building and achieving mastery. In the long run, professionals risk losing skills like precision, strong problem-solving, and innovative thinking, which only come from hands-on practice.
What would happen if AI systems disappeared tomorrow? Raisa admits, “I think it would be difficult to manoeuvre without it, as I have become quite accustomed to its availability.” Nuha, visibly irked at the thought, added, “I can only hope that doesn’t happen. But if it does, there would be no other option but to return to traditional ways of adapting to challenges.”
The danger doesn’t lie in AI itself, but in using it to replace our imagination rather than as a tool to support it. Among the few unique human traits, creativity is one that no algorithm can fully imitate. To preserve it is unquestionable, for it defines who we are.
