AI Art Tools Hijack Your Brain’s Dopamine Reward Function
Artificial intelligence (AI) art tools are becoming more and more popular, and it's easy to see why. They allow users to quickly and easily create digital art without needing any particular skill or expertise. However, there's a downside to this ease of use that many people may not be aware of: these tools can hijack your brain's dopamine reward function.
​
The experience of creating AI generated art is very fun and can even be addicting. As artists, we often find ourselves lost in the creative process, captivated by the thrill of watching our ideas come to life on the canvas, screen, or page. But have you ever stopped to consider the role that dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain, plays in this experience?
​
For those who are unfamiliar, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is released in the brain when we experience pleasure or reward. It's what gives us that feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment when we achieve something. When it comes to creating art, this feeling can be especially strong. Watching your ideas come to life can be incredibly enjoyable and even addicting.
​
Every time you see one of your text prompts become a picture, you get a little dopamine hit. And if the result is something really cool, you get an even bigger hit. It's almost like gambling. You pull the lever and wait to see what comes up, hoping for something good. But instead of a jackpot, we are waiting to see what beautiful or interesting creation will come out on the other side.
​
This dopamine-fueled pleasure can be addictive, much like the way social media hijacks our brain. We often find ourselves scrolling through mediocre posts, eagerly waiting for something entertaining or inspiring to catch our attention. In the same way you can find yourself trying prompt after prompt in hopes of getting something you consider good.
The power of AI art tools to hijack our brain's dopamine reward function should not be underestimated.
It is possible to become addicted to creating artificial intelligence art in the same manner that one can become addicted to playing video games. If you find that you are consistently prioritizing the creation of AI art over other responsibilities and obligations, it may be indicative of an addiction. It is crucial to establish and adhere to healthy boundaries in order to prevent the development of an unhealthy obsession.
​
If you want to check out some cool AI art, go here.
For AI Art Tips, go here.
​
Read More: AI Prompting Is Art
​
Read More: The Harsh Truth About The Criticism Of AI-Generated Art
Read More: Artistic Creation Has Been Democratized