# Brainstorm Before AI

> Write three ideas first to keep AI from doing all your thinking.
- Title: Brainstorm Before AI · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: Write three ideas first to keep AI from doing all your thinking. Brainstorming before using AI helps maintain unique ideas and creativity.
- Keywords: brainstorming, creativity, chatgpt, georgetown university, sabrina habib, arons lindberg, erica dhawan, naked draft rule, college admissions essays, TIME
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/11/03/brainstorm-ideas-before-asking-ai
- Author: Angela Haupt
- Published: 2026-11-03T18:07:43.409+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai, brainstorming, creativity, chatgpt, georgetown university, sabrina habib, arons lindberg, erica dhawan, naked draft rule, college admissions essays
## Brainstorming mistake
A college student named a basil plant using ChatGPT instead of brainstorming with roommates.

> Who the hell cares what the name of the basil plant is?
## Why brainstorm first
Neuroscientist Adam Green says AI fills the blank page fear but loses unique ideas and creativity.

> We’re all scared of the blank page
## AI causes anchoring
AI offers narrow ideas leading to fixation and similar outputs from users.

> You’re going to have a hard time thinking of ideas beyond that narrow set of possibilities
## Human ideas are unique
Human essays explore wider ideas than AI-generated essays in college admissions research.

> When we adopt AI’s ideas as our own, our own ideas become similar to each other
## How to brainstorm
Write three rough ideas for gifts, work, or conversations before using AI.

> Write your own raw draft before you ever use AI
## Naked draft rule
Erica Dhawan calls writing raw drafts before AI the 'naked draft rule'.

> Write your own raw draft before you ever use AI
## AI without losing ideas
Share your ideas with AI to get better suggestions and critiques.

> What do I think?
## AI as a question tool
Ask AI questions to help recall personal details for messages or solutions.

> What’s a memory with this person that still makes you laugh?
## Evaluate AI responses
Check AI suggestions for accuracy and personal relevance before using them.

> First, we actually have to think, then we use it to challenge our thinking and make it better
## Why it matters
Brainstorming before AI keeps unique ideas and creativity intact.

> Thinking is hard, but it’s also wonderful
## Key takeaway

Brainstorming before using AI helps maintain unique ideas and creativity.