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Andy Eklund

Training for Business, Communications and Creativity

Brainstorming in a Digital World (Part 1)

1
  • by Andy Eklund
  • in Brainstorming · Creative Thinking and Innovation
  • — 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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