Leveraging psychedelic neuroscience to boost human creativity using artificial intelligence.
Front Artif Intell June 4, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/frai.2025.1589086 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Artificial intelligence: ai Machine learning Computational creativity Creativity enhancement: innovation Creative thinking Problem-solving Idea generation Cognitive enhancement Non-pharmacological: drug-free Non-drug Digital intervention Neuroscience-inspired: brain states Brain simulation Cognitive science |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that AI can be designed to mimic psychedelic-induced cognitive disruptions to enhance human creativity, while also addressing associated ethical and practical risks. |
Abstract
Psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, disrupt entrenched cognitive patterns by facilitating novel insights and new associations. This paper considers how AI can potentially mimic these psychedelic-induced cognitive disruptions to augment and enhance human creativity. Psychedelics likely enhance creativity by altering brain function, notably the activity of the Default Mode Network, which leads to changes in cognition. Psychologically, they may reduce latent inhibition, increase divergent thinking, and promote implicit learning. Similarly, AI systems can replicate these creative enhancements by introducing novel associations, reframing familiar information, and facilitating unconscious cognitive shifts. The risks associated with AI use are also compared to psychedelics, including dependency, ethical concerns, and homogenization of outputs due to bias. Integrating the cognitive mechanisms activated by psychedelics into AI design provides promising pathways for creativity enhancement. Carefully designed AI could act as a cognitive catalyst, fostering innovative thought processes and adaptive problem-solving while addressing identified ethical and practical concerns.