In a survey by EduBirdie, one in six of 2,000 Gen Z say they believe AI does indeed hamper creativity, and 31% of them think it stifles critical thinking. But science-backed research shows that state-of-the-art generative artificial intelligence (AI) can actually match humans in creativity tests and is at the cusp of augmenting the creativity for knowledge workers.
Ksenia Hubska, data lead at EduBirdie, agrees with the science and is confident that naysayers might just be missing out on AI’s full potential to enhance creativity. Hubska explains that employees and employers can use AI to simulate various workplace scenarios, enhancing their skills and preparedness. As an example, she says they can practice sales calls, client meetings and workplace disputes. And for those working with text, she says AI can be an invaluable assistant. “Journalists, PR professionals, copywriters and marketers can rewrite texts in different styles, adjust tones and reorganize structures to meet specific needs,” she continues. “By analyzing these modifications, employees can enhance their own writing, nurturing creativity and precision.”
She adds that AI is a valuable tool for brainstorming and feedback, especially in marketing, product development and research. “It can assist in generating new ideas, suggest questions and offer unbiased input on drafts and presentations,” according to the EduBirdie data lead. “This helps professionals refine their work, fostering creativity and continuous improvement.” To assist the younger generation in using this powerful tool, Hubska shared with me by email four essential hacks for boosting creativity with the help of AI.
Hubska says if you’re out of ideas, asking AI tools to act out a hypothetical scenario with you can help kick start your creativity and problem-solving. “You can test different ideas, unearth challenges and explore potential outcomes, she posits. “Immersing yourself in role play will allow you to sharpen your presentation skills, hone your critical thinking, and make informed decisions—without any real-world consequences."
She presents these prompt examples:
Let’s act out a scenario where I believe [position] and you dispute my opinion.
Simulate a scenario where I’m pitching [idea]. What key points should I emphasize to secure support?
Hubska says you can ask ChatGPT to rewrite a text in different styles, improve its tone or reorganize the structure to meet particular needs. She cautions, however, not to copy and paste the results without learning from it. “Read over its work to see what changes it made, and use it to improve your writing style and prompt linguistic creativity,” she explains. “With enough practice, you won’t need AI's help to think of the perfect pun or creative word combinations"
Prompt examples:
Generate a creative wordplay that combines [concept] and [concept].
Rewrite this text in the style of a stand-up comedy routine.
Hubska points out that ChatGPT or other AI tools can provide basic insight into market trends and industry happenings, but it falls short when asked to analyze complex ideas or come up with creative solutions. “You can’t expect it to do the hard work for you, but with the right prompt, it can help to get your brain going and creativity flowing,” she notes. “Rather than asking AI to tell you the answers, try asking it to think of questions you should ask yourself."
Prompt examples:
Describe five effective brainstorming techniques to help me generate more creative ideas.
Share some thought-provoking questions or prompts that could help me explore [topic].
Hubska acknowledges that feedback is critical to evaluating performance, spotting mistake, and improving ourselves, but there isn’t always an expert around to help. “Or there wasn’t, until now,” she adds. “Using ChatGPT, you can seek valuable unbiased feedback on your ideas, projects and presentations at any time. Ask ChatGPT for its input on areas you can improve, alternative perspectives to consider, and how you can refine your work. Additionally, ask it to play the part of your audience and generate questions they might ask in response to your pitch or presentation, ensuring you’re ready for the real thing."
Prompt examples:
Provide feedback on this draft and suggest ways to improve it.
Hubska insists that employees and employers can use AI to simulate various workplace scenarios, enhancing their skills and preparedness. They can practice sales calls, client meetings and workplace disputes,” she points out. “For those working with text, AI can be an invaluable assistant. Journalists, PR professionals, copywriters and marketers can rewrite texts in different styles, adjust tones and reorganize structures to meet specific needs.”
She informs us that employees can enhance their own writing, nurturing creativity and precision by analyzing these modifications, adding that AI is a valuable tool for brainstorming and feedback, especially in marketing, product development and research. “It can assist in generating new ideas, suggest questions and offer unbiased input on drafts and presentations,” she concludes. “This helps professionals refine their work, fostering creativity and continuous improvement.”
