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Andy Eklund

Training for Business, Communications and Creativity

Brainstorming in a Digital World (Part 1)

1
  • by Andy Eklund
  • in Brainstorm Techniques · Creativity
  • — 2 Jun, 2011

brainstorming in a digital worldHas the Internet made us better at creative thinking?  There’s been a huge swath of articles over the past several years debating whether the Internet has made us more stupid or smart. Here’s a short list of its strengths and weaknesses.

The Digitalista would say the Internet gives us more creative fuel by allowing …

  • Instant communications with more types/diversity of people from a larger network
  • Instant information (facts, research, intelligence)research, ideas, concepts, intelligence)
  • Instant inspiration and exposure (ideas, concepts, trends, options) – IOW, flowing in of stimulation
  • Instant self-expression – IOW, flowing out of stimulation
  • Less to remember, so our minds can do more important tasks – like make ideas
  • Remote working, allowing us to create in environments more conducive to our personality and style

In other words, the Internet harnesses our creative thinking through a larger collective consciousness.  As my friend Teresa said, It makes me feel creative.

The Luddite would say the Internet limits our creative fuel by making us …

  • Overwhelmed with mostly useless information
  • Less able to organise and prioritise
  • Less able to focus
  • Less able to reflect
  • Less human / more dependent upon machines and tools
  • Less connected to people by sight or touch (vs. by screen or by tweet)

So, while the Internet might make us feel more creative, it’s very likely to also be a barrier to our productivity by being a disruptive presence, albeit one that’s addictive to boot.

Perhaps a more realistic answer is that the Internet is a tool like any other. To be effective, it needs to have a purpose, to be used properly and with control, and have proper context. It’s about intent and balance.

In part 2, some ground rules for brainstorming in a digital world.

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Tags: digital brainstorminginternet brainstormingthe internet and creative thinking

1 Comment

  1. Brainstorming in a Digital World, Part 2 - Andy Eklund says:
    14 September 2013 at 5:57 am

    […] Part #1 is here. […]

    Reply

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  • Home
  • About
    • Biography
    • Clients
  • Workshops
    • Introduction
    • Training Philosophy
    • Featured Workshops
    • Brainstorming
    • Workshop Facilitation
  • Best Tools & Instructions
  • Topics by Category (A-K)
    • Analytical and Critical Thinking
    • Books, Videos and Other Resources
    • Brainstorm Techniques
      • Common Mistakes in Brainstorming
      • Finishing a Brainstorm
    • Business Writing
    • Change Management
    • Communications
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Creativity
      • Creative Process
      • Creative Self-Help
      • Innovation
      • Inventors & Their Inventions
      • Left Brain-Right Brain
      • Negativity
      • Selling Ideas
      • Understanding the Audience
    • Curiosity
    • Definitions
    • Design Thinking
      • Reframing
    • Empathy
    • Evaluation & Feedback
    • Facilitation
      • Event Management
    • Featured Posts
    • Intuition
    • Issues and Crisis Management
    • Just For Fun
  • Topics by Category (L-Z)
    • Leadership Communications
    • Listening
    • Media Relations
    • Message Development
    • Negotiation Skills
    • Other People’s Words
    • Questioning
    • Presentation Skills
      • PowerPoint
      • Storytelling
    • Research
    • Problem Solving
    • Strategic Thinking
    • Public Relations
      • New Business
    • Team Dynamics
    • Time Management
    • Training and Personal Development
  • Client Sign-In
  • Contact

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