Ask AI to Refine Your Ideas, Not Invent Them

Using AI for brainstorming can enhance individual creativity but may reduce the collective diversity of ideas. Several studies suggest that while AI-generated ideas lead to higher-rated individual outputs, the overall pool of ideas becomes more homogenous. The timing of AI intervention appears crucial, as using AI to refine pre-existing human ideas helps preserve variety compared to using it for initial idea generation. Although some conflicting research exists, the general concern is that the sensible individual choice to use AI could lead to a less diverse collective outcome. The proposed solution is to develop personal ideas first before turning to AI for refinement.