Is AI Actually Creative? Or Just Really Good at Copying Us?

We celebrate creativity as a deeply human trait, but what happens when AI can generate art, music, and even write better essays than some students?

I used to think creativity was something purely human—a spark of originality that couldn’t be boiled down to patterns and predictions. But lately, I’ve found myself questioning that. AI models like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Sora are crafting art, composing music, and writing essays that feel eerily original. It’s strange to admit, but sometimes their work even surprises me. As someone who thrives on problem-solving—whether it’s breaking down a market strategy, distilling the complexities of nuclear fusion, or mapping out a game-winning play on the cricket field—I can’t help but wonder: is this the next evolution of creativity, or something else entirely?

On one hand, it’s mind-blowing. AI doesn’t just process information; it connects dots at an inhuman scale, remixing ideas in ways that feel fresh and, dare I say, inspired. It mirrors the way I approach challenges—pulling from past experiences, analyzing patterns, and experimenting with different angles. But AI doesn’t hesitate. It doesn’t second-guess itself or get stuck in creative ruts the way I do.

And that’s what unsettles me. If AI can emulate the creative process so effortlessly, what does that mean for us? Are we on the brink of a golden age where AI supercharges human expression, or are we slowly handing over something uniquely ours?

Maybe the real question isn’t can AI be creative, but rather: if AI can create like us, what makes us different?

What do you think? Let’s talk.