Recent studies from Carnegie Mellon, Microsoft and MITreveal that over-reliance on AI can narrow our thinking, reduceidea-generation, and lead to less varied and less original outcomes. In other words, if we're not careful, AI can actually make us less creative.

In this forward-looking episode, Dr. André Walton explores why this happens and what we can do to prevent it. Drawing from neuroscience and social psychology, he explains how the brain uses two core modes of thought - one analytical and convergent, the other imaginative and divergent.

Dr. Walton says, AI tools often reward the more comfortable, less effortful convergent approach. The result? We metaphorically "put our feet up," allowing AI to take over tasks that once challenged and strengthened our creative neuralpathways. Like any unused muscle, those pathways weaken over time. But that outcome is not inevitable. It is a choice, and Dr. André shows us ways we can use AI as a catalyst to advance our emotional intelligence, ourinnovative potential and our resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Strengthen creative thinking habits that keep the brain's innovation networks active
• Use AI as an innovation and decision-making partner rather than a substitute for human ingenuity
• Guide AI towards generating more original, diverse and high-value ideas
• Build "creative resilience" and increased emotionalintelligence through spherical thinking. Valuable assets in an age of rapid technological change

In short, Dr. Waltong believes the inherent laziness of the human brain is leading many users of AI down a rather negative path (as also suggested by research published last year):

“Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon University,and Harvard Business School research indicates a significant negative correlation between frequent AI usage and critical thinking skills.

This phenomenon, often termed "cognitive offloading," occurs when users delegate complex reasoning and problem-solving tasks to AI, leading to a measurable decline in independent analytical abilities.” Re-creating the ability to thinkcreatively is the answer to combating that.

How to contact Dr. Andre P Walton

Speaker, Author, Burnout & Innovation Coach

TEDx Speaker, International Best-Selling Author

Visiting Professor of Creativity and Entrepreneurship: Newport Business School, Wales, UK

Adjunct Faculty: Justice Management Master’s DegreeProgram, University of Nevada, Reno, NV

Professor, Marketing and Management, BusinessSchool, University of Nevada, Reno, NV

Websites: www.hiredrandre.com

www.plan4change.org

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/plan4change

Calendar: https://app.simplymeet.me/hiredrandre

Thank you for listening to this episode of Mike Schiano In the Queue with Dr. Andre Walton.