"AI vs Creativity", Article by Elvis Unachukwu

Creativity – is more than just a concept; it is an adjective that describes the very pillars of this world. It is the ability to produce original ide

AI VS CREATIVITY

On a cool afternoon in 2024, Elvis sat at his desk, staring at a blank notebook with a pen on his hand. He sighed, knowing his deadline for that essay competition was just hours away. Beside him was ChatGPT, an AI assistant on his phone providing series of suggestion on what to write. Its ideas, structure, grammatical accuracy and vocabulary use were just breathtaking. But something about it just felt….hollow. Elvis leaned back, closed his eyes and let his imaginations drift away. Moments later, he picked his pen and let it print his ideas on that notebook. 

Hours later, Elvis submitted his Essay, heart beating with uncertainty about the result. Days turned into weeks and the announcement finally came – he had won the competition. As he held the trophy in his hand, and heard his content being read out aloud, Elvis couldn’t help but compare his work to the AI’ Output. He admired the brilliance of the AI-generated suggestions. They were flawless in structure and captivating in detail, but they lacked that raw, unfiltered originality that his hand-written words carried. These were his imperfect yet heartfelt expressions, born from the depth of his imaginations, which resonated with the Judges and all they could say was “Oh yes! He is the winner”. Creativity, he understood, wasn’t just about precision, logic or accuracy – it was about originality, humanity and imagination, about crafting a piece of yourself into your work. This narrative helps us understand that though AI has its place in the world; it was creativity that truly shaped it.

This 10-letter word – Creativity – is more than just a concept; it is an adjective that describes the very pillars of this world. It is the ability to produce original ideas; it is the spark behind every masterpiece, the solution to every challenge and the foundation of every human advancement. From invention of groundbreaking technologies such as internet, automobiles, ICT gadgets to even cultural masterpieces, creativity can be applauded as the root of origin. 

Take, for instance, Steve Jobs, whose visionary creativity transformed Apple into a global powerhouse of innovation. His ability to think differently gave us products like the iPhone, which revolutionized how we communicate. The brilliance of Apple today can be traced back to one man’s creative spark. No matter how small, creativity is the fire that ignites every great innovation and remarkable success. As Albert Einstein wisely noted “Knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress and giving birth to evolution”.

However, a lot of influences have emerged over time, threatening to overshadow the impact of creativity in the world. Among them all, AI emerges the most formidable contender. Everyone has it their fingerprints, consulting it for even the most little things one could do independently. Whether it’s crafting written contents, getting designs or brainstorming, its capabilities are astonishingly vast, quick and efficient. But all forget that AI itself is a product of creativity. Behind those complex algorithms was someone’s creativity, someone’s creative thought that dared them to ask “What If”? Truly, AI is a testament to human ingenuity – a mirror of how creativity can give birth to something revolutionary. But instead this very creation has now succeeded in eroding the human independence which it was meant to enhance. A lot of people, students being the most affected, are now over-reliant on it and can’t even generate 0.1% of ideas without consulting it. For example, one of the guidelines of this contest is a strict warning about originality. Any AI-generated response would be instantly disqualified. This is as a result of the rate at which students use it for such submissions. Its devastating impact on a person’s intellect cannot be overemphasized.

Nevertheless, we can still rekindle and preserve the creativity and originality in the society by creating a balance in the use of AI. For a fact, it is here to assist us in countless tasks. Just a single click can create solutions that would have taken us hours to develop. Yet, as smart as it may be, it should remain a servant not a master.

Just as Elvis realized while staring at his trophy and listening to his essay, the key to true impact lies in the merging of both worlds (AI and Creativity). Like him, each of us must use our creativity to lead, using AI not as a replacement but as machinery to amplify the brilliance that originates within our minds. Remember: The FUTURE isn’t about choosing one over the other but about creating HARMONY, where CREATIVITY emerges the CORNERSTONE of progress.

Writer

Elvis Unachukwu is a multifaceted digital creator, student, and competition enthusiast. With expertise in graphic design, writing, data analysis, and social media management, he has built a reputation for delivering high-quality digital services. He is also passionate about leadership, research, and innovation, having participated in various academic and technical competitions. Beyond his professional skills, Elvis is dedicated to humanitarian causes, working with NGOs to empower and advocate for the defenseless. His vision blends creativity, technology, and a commitment to making a positive impact in both the digital and healthcare sectors.