Creativity vs. Artificial Intelligence: Allies or Enemies?
We are at a key moment to reflect on the concept of creativity. According to the current definition, creativity is the capacity to generate new, original, and valuable ideas, or to find innovative solutions to problems.
This implies combining information or elements unexpectedly and uniquely, surpassing conventional approaches. Creativity is not limited to the artistic domain; it can be applied in science, business, technology, and everyday life. It is closely related to cognitive processes like imagination, mental flexibility, and curiosity, which can arise from experience, prior knowledge, and the ability to think divergently.
The Debate on AI and Creativity
This is an interesting time to reconsider what creativity really means, as creative environments are debating with concern or resignation the possibility that Artificial Intelligence (AI) might replace animators, writers, designers, musicians, and other professionals. We cannot ignore the astounding power of new tools, but neither can we overlook the fear they provoke with the threat of eliminating artisanal jobs or creating dystopias where humanity is relegated by the advancement of AI.
To explore this topic further, I recently watched the British series Humans, written by screenwriters Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley, based on the Swedish series Real Humans. The series depicts a close relationship between humans and AI, set in a world where “synths” (advanced humanoid robots) occupy many of the job roles we know today.
What is interesting about Humans is how humanity can develop emotional bonds with a machine, even knowing it is not a real human. The “synths” have a physical design so similar to humans that it causes confusion, and they come to be preferred even in intimate settings, more so than real humans. This raises a reflection on the capacity of these robots to generate high-value emotions in their owners, challenging our understanding of creativity and human emotions.
Emotions and Creativity in the AI Future
Creativity, especially in artistic fields, is intimately linked to emotions, both in its production process and its impact on the audience. Emotions are a powerful driving force of creativity, and in the case of the “synths,” we might wonder if they could generate authentic emotions or merely mimic their external expression.
One of the fundamental aspects that distinguish us as humans is our emotions and consciousness, but these factors also make us vulnerable. It would be crucial to consider them within future technological advances to ensure that human creativity and AI can coexist and complement each other in a meaningful way across different areas of society.
Responsibility in the Use of AI
It is vital to create awareness about the use and management of these technologies. Although AI has a profound impact on multiple areas, it still requires human intervention. Therefore, it is essential for companies and developers to assume responsibilities beyond the mere creation of technologies. Transparency, accountability, and ethics are key to ensuring that AI is used in a way that benefits humanity without undermining our creative or emotional capacities.
Digital transformation, the adoption of learning models, and the use of artificial intelligence tools can be great allies in unlocking our creativity, as long as they are understood and managed properly.
We should not abandon traditional practices that support the development of our skills, such as writing on paper, crafting, or solving complex problems without the help of AI. These simple activities are valuable for preventing the erosion of creativity, disconnection from physical reality, and deterioration of our cognitive skills.
The Risk of Technological Dependence
If the proper use of AI is not understood, these tools can become a significant threat. They can weaken skills we have acquired through our evolution and prevent new generations from developing them, which could widen the gap in inequality and operational efficiency. Additionally, they might segregate those who have access to technology from those who do not, deepening the divide in terms of productivity and opportunities.
Conclusion
In summary, AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for enhancing our creativity, but only if we learn to use it responsibly and in balance. We must continue to actively train our creativity, exploring both digital and manual methods. In my podcast Creemos Juntos, available in Spanish on Spotify, I offer techniques on creativity and strategic thinking for you to practice and strengthen your creative potential in this era of technological transformation.