This past June, the results of an MIT study showed that regular ChatGPT use may erode a person’s critical thinking skills. Three groups of subjects (54 people in total, aged 18-39) were asked to write SAT essays using either ChatGPT, Google’s search engine, or nothing at all. The ChatGPT group was the worst-performing of the bunch, with the lowest brain engagement throughout the study—they simply cut and pasted their essays by the end of the observation period.
Do I bring this up as an argument against generative AI tools like ChatGPT? Not necessarily. The tech is advancing so quickly (and becoming so commonplace) that it’s a fool’s errand to denounce it. Not to mention, there are several impressive applications. But the MIT study does serve as a cautionary tale.
Many of us turn to programs like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and so on to help manage our ideas. Whether we need to clarify a murky concept or have no concepts at all, AI promises to help—and to do so efficiently.
The risk is that, by outsourcing and streamlining our thinking, we start to rely on software for our ingenuity instead of our lived experiences and uniqueness. Recall any brainstorming session you’ve attended. Even if a mind-blowing solution failed to surface, the conversation likely moved in exciting and unexpected directions. And what made that synergy possible wasn’t a chatbot. It was group interaction, real-time inspiration, a-ha moments.
Bold, new ideas aren’t always easy to come by. But when we produce them, either alone or with a team, there’s a sense of pride. If we give away that power to tools like ChatGPT—and reduce or lose the ability to think through complicated problems—where do we find that pride? What do we do when the tools aren’t available? Where’s the fun in that?
This issue of PRB+, our annual Idea Book, is the antidote. We’ve pulled together products and services from the best vendors in parks, rec, and camp, all designed to spur you to action. You may not be able to enter a prompt about a playground and get an equipment list in a few seconds. But you can get inspired to build that list yourself—see colorful, dynamic images, learn about real-world applications, and get contact details to take the conversation off the page.
We know how much fun it is to spark ideas and begin the subsequent journey of turning those ideas into reality. When you can share a jam-packed issue like this with everyone in your department, it’s even more enjoyable. So, put this Idea Book to work. Get informed, chase your inspiration, and rediscover the wow of people-focused ideas.
