AI and The Tainted First Draft

When we let Generative AI generate the first draft, it feels efficient - like we’ve skipped the blank page and gained momentum. But there’s a real danger: we anchor on those first ideas, and that initial framing subtly shapes everything that comes after.

Even when we rewrite it, our thinking remains tainted. This is known as anchoring bias - a cognitive bias where we rely on the first piece of information we receive, regardless of its quality. This means we often edit around the AI’s output rather than beyond it.

Why This Matters

When the stakes are high, i.e for idea generation, strategic thinking, or expressing your point of view, letting AI go first can quietly narrow your imagination.

It’s like letting someone else draw the first few lines of a painting, then trying to make it your masterpiece. You can adjust the colors, add your signature - but the canvas was never truly yours.

Practical Advice

Delay the draft. Start with your own messy thoughts. Instead of prompting for a full draft, try asking AI to generate contrasting viewpoints, metaphors, or questions. Keep yourself in the driver’s seat. Be willing to throw out entire drafts. Start again with a clearer direction.

The question is “what does it stop you from thinking?”.

Inspirations

“Co-intelligence”