ChatGPT Reduces Diversity of Ideas in Brainstorming, Study Finds

A new study from the Mack Institute for Innovation Management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School shows that while artificial intelligence (AI) can help create ideas, it might also harm the variety of those ideas during brainstorming sessions.

Key Findings of the Study

Researchers Lennart Meincke, Gideon Nave, and Christian Terwiesch conducted experiments to see how using ChatGPT affects group creativity. They discovered that people using ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas tended to generate similar concepts. For example, when asked to create toys using a brick and a fan, 94% of the ideas from ChatGPT users overlapped. Many participants even named their toy the same thing: “Build-a-Breeze Castle.”

On the other hand, ideas generated by humans were unique and diverse. Across five different experiments, the study found that AI-assisted brainstorming consistently produced a narrower range of ideas.

The Importance of Diverse Ideas

The findings suggest that relying too much on AI like ChatGPT can limit the variety of thoughts and perspectives in brainstorming. While the individual ideas might seem original, they often are not as varied as those created by humans working together.

AI in the Workplace

In the workplace, there is a growing trend of companies quickly adopting AI tools without fully understanding their implications. Many organizations believe using AI can make tasks like hiring easier. A recent survey showed that 80% of U.S. job seekers think using AI for creating resumes and interview questions is appropriate. However, 87% of those surveyed believe that humans, not machines, should conduct job interviews. They argue that AI cannot adequately evaluate soft skills, such as how well someone fits into a company’s culture.

Social Media Reactions

This perspective is also reflected on social media. One person commented, “If they don’t have the decency to interview you face to face, they aren’t worth your time,” referring to a video of a robot conducting a glitchy interview.

Potential Regrets of AI Adoption

Moreover, a survey by Orgvue found that over half of business leaders who laid off employees in favor of AI later regretted their decisions. Many admitted they were unsure which roles would benefit most from AI.

The Right Approach to AI

Experts believe that the best results from AI come when it works alongside people rather than replacing them. To truly enhance creativity and innovation in teams, leaders should focus on encouraging a variety of ideas. The authors of the Mack Institute study suggest that real problem-solving gains come from the diversity of ideas and perspectives, not just from repeated thoughts.

Conclusion

While AI tools like ChatGPT can be useful, it’s important to remember the value of human creativity and unique perspectives. Relying too heavily on AI may limit brainstorming sessions and reduce the diversity of thought that is crucial for successful problem-solving. Balancing AI with human input will lead to a richer pool of ideas and better outcomes.