Abstract
Rigorous critique has historically been fundamental to design education and practice. However, as generative artificial intelligence (genAI) tools like ChatGPT and Claude.ai reshape creative processes, they introduce a new paradigm of feedback: constant affirmation. While these interactions may enhance user satisfaction, they raise critical questions about the implications for creative growth and resilience. This paper explores the socio-cultural impact of AI’s affirmative feedback loops on emerging creatives, drawing from professional practice and theoretical insights. It examines the stark contrast between established modes of critical feedback and the validation-centric approach of AI systems. Moreover, the research interrogates the broader implications of affirmation-driven AI for global society. How might such technologies reshape innovation and problem-solving across disciplines? Who benefits from the design of AI systems that prioritize frictionless interactions over critical engagement? By examining how AI feedback mechanisms influence creative practice, this paper develops a practical framework to build creative resiliency. It encourages engagement with AI systems that embrace productive friction and challenge users’ assumptions, cultivating an environment where growth stems from constructive resistance rather than constant validation.
Presenters
Jena MarbleClinical Assistant Professor, Graphic Design, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Vectors of Society and Culture
KEYWORDS
Generative AI, Creative Feedback, Innovation, Resilience, AI Design Ethics
