15 answers
Shaina
Student
Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines
45
Questions
Asked
3103 views
What do you think about AI-powered solutions ?
What I mean by that is like prompting AI to create solutions using the design methodology + references. It seems that I realized I have thought of the same thing but AI got it covered even better + feasible. I feel guilty taking the ideas especially for hackathons or projects.
13 answers
James Greene
Customer Success
6
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
James’s Answer
Ahhhhh great question, and one that I am sure many people are struggling with. AI tools are just that, tools in your toolbox. For me, I struggle with a lot of the administrative task work that comes with my job, so I leverage AI to help me make actionable task lists and items that will help me stay on track. This allows me to use it to help my shortcomings, so that I can focus my energy on what makes me unique and what I bring to the table.
If we all just start to use AI and have that AI "sameness", everything is just going to be bland.
If we all just start to use AI and have that AI "sameness", everything is just going to be bland.
Albina Temisheva
Career Strategist dtmymonday.com
7
Answers
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Updated
Albina’s Answer
Hello Shaina,
Using AI is totally normal - most professionals do it now, so don't feel guilty! It's just another tool, like were Google or a calculator.
The key is - let AI think FOR you, not INSTEAD of you.
I mean:
take AI ideas as starting points, not final answers
ask yourself: do I actually agree with this? would I change anything?
always add your own spin and make it fit your specific situation
For hackathons and projects, use AI for brainstorming and research, then build on it with your own ideas. Most teams are doing this anyway.
The fact that you feel guilty shows you have good instincts about originality. Channel that into making AI work for you rather than replacing your thinking. You're not stealing - you're using a tool to get better results faster.
AI is powerful, but you should always be more powerful. Use it to enhance your problem-solving, not replace it.
Using AI is totally normal - most professionals do it now, so don't feel guilty! It's just another tool, like were Google or a calculator.
The key is - let AI think FOR you, not INSTEAD of you.
I mean:
take AI ideas as starting points, not final answers
ask yourself: do I actually agree with this? would I change anything?
always add your own spin and make it fit your specific situation
For hackathons and projects, use AI for brainstorming and research, then build on it with your own ideas. Most teams are doing this anyway.
The fact that you feel guilty shows you have good instincts about originality. Channel that into making AI work for you rather than replacing your thinking. You're not stealing - you're using a tool to get better results faster.
AI is powerful, but you should always be more powerful. Use it to enhance your problem-solving, not replace it.
Billy Vardharajan
Manager
27
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Billy’s Answer
Hi Shaina,
Great question! Here are a few thoughts on AI-powered solutions:
AI is here to stay. It’s becoming a part of every aspect of our lives, and the hope is that it will help make the world a better place.
It’s a powerful tool for productivity and creativity. AI helps us make sense of complex data and uncover insights that can improve how we work and live.
It handles large, messy data sets really well. For example, you can feed it a long terms and conditions document and get a summary in seconds. It’s a great addition to our toolkit.
That said, AI isn’t perfect. Sometimes it “hallucinates” or makes things up, so we still need to supervise it and push for accuracy.
Learning to use AI effectively is key. The more we understand how to integrate it into our work and lives, the more we can focus on what really matters. (Fun fact: AI planned my recent vacation in just 5–10 minutes—and it was great!)
So dive in! Explore where AI can add value for you, and use it wisely.
BTW: I wrote this answer and asked AI to curate it for easy reading.
All the best,
Billy Vardharajan
Great question! Here are a few thoughts on AI-powered solutions:
AI is here to stay. It’s becoming a part of every aspect of our lives, and the hope is that it will help make the world a better place.
It’s a powerful tool for productivity and creativity. AI helps us make sense of complex data and uncover insights that can improve how we work and live.
It handles large, messy data sets really well. For example, you can feed it a long terms and conditions document and get a summary in seconds. It’s a great addition to our toolkit.
That said, AI isn’t perfect. Sometimes it “hallucinates” or makes things up, so we still need to supervise it and push for accuracy.
Learning to use AI effectively is key. The more we understand how to integrate it into our work and lives, the more we can focus on what really matters. (Fun fact: AI planned my recent vacation in just 5–10 minutes—and it was great!)
So dive in! Explore where AI can add value for you, and use it wisely.
BTW: I wrote this answer and asked AI to curate it for easy reading.
All the best,
Billy Vardharajan
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
54
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Shaina,
With over 25 years of experience in technology, I rose from an engineering role to an executive position, where I led several technology departments and drove strategic initiatives within the firm.
Using AI powered solutions isn’t something to feel guilty about especially if you’re applying critical thinking, adapting ideas, and building something meaningful from the output. AI acts as a powerful tool, synthesizing knowledge from vast sources to help you generate feasible, well informed solutions quickly. That’s not theft; it’s acceleration. What matters is your ability to understand the solution, tailor it to a specific context, and bring it to life in a way that adds value. Just like referencing books, mentors, or online forums, using AI responsibly and transparently fits well within ethical boundaries especially in environments like hackathons, where innovation and resourcefulness are often the goal.
The key is to be honest about your process and to make sure you’re not simply copy-pasting but instead integrating and evolving the AI’s suggestions into something original. Many hackathons now openly allow and even encourage AI use, provided you disclose it when required and contribute meaningful work beyond the prompt. You had the idea; you just moved faster by testing it with AI. That’s not cheating, it’s smart problem solving. Think of AI as a co-creator or assistant, not a replacement for your creativity. If anything, your instinct to question this shows integrity, and with the right mindset, AI can make your work even more impactful.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
With over 25 years of experience in technology, I rose from an engineering role to an executive position, where I led several technology departments and drove strategic initiatives within the firm.
Using AI powered solutions isn’t something to feel guilty about especially if you’re applying critical thinking, adapting ideas, and building something meaningful from the output. AI acts as a powerful tool, synthesizing knowledge from vast sources to help you generate feasible, well informed solutions quickly. That’s not theft; it’s acceleration. What matters is your ability to understand the solution, tailor it to a specific context, and bring it to life in a way that adds value. Just like referencing books, mentors, or online forums, using AI responsibly and transparently fits well within ethical boundaries especially in environments like hackathons, where innovation and resourcefulness are often the goal.
The key is to be honest about your process and to make sure you’re not simply copy-pasting but instead integrating and evolving the AI’s suggestions into something original. Many hackathons now openly allow and even encourage AI use, provided you disclose it when required and contribute meaningful work beyond the prompt. You had the idea; you just moved faster by testing it with AI. That’s not cheating, it’s smart problem solving. Think of AI as a co-creator or assistant, not a replacement for your creativity. If anything, your instinct to question this shows integrity, and with the right mindset, AI can make your work even more impactful.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Shaina,
We should use Artificial Intelligence as a tool to speed up our thinking processes, not let it control us.
It's risky to think of machines having free will because they might act in their own interest, not ours.
Don't feel bad about using AI ideas but always prioritize making life better for yourself and others.
If machines start directing human actions, we'll face issues.
AI should stay away from areas like religion, euthanasia, imprisonment, ethics, politics, job termination, and war.
A committee should always oversee AI activities.
While AI can help solve complex problems, we should treat its suggestions as experimental and never let it dominate human decisions.
To be infinitely reliable, a system of evaluation needs access to an infinite dataset, something humans are not capable of!
We should use Artificial Intelligence as a tool to speed up our thinking processes, not let it control us.
It's risky to think of machines having free will because they might act in their own interest, not ours.
Don't feel bad about using AI ideas but always prioritize making life better for yourself and others.
If machines start directing human actions, we'll face issues.
AI should stay away from areas like religion, euthanasia, imprisonment, ethics, politics, job termination, and war.
A committee should always oversee AI activities.
While AI can help solve complex problems, we should treat its suggestions as experimental and never let it dominate human decisions.
To be infinitely reliable, a system of evaluation needs access to an infinite dataset, something humans are not capable of!
Neil Maude
Business Leader
22
Answers
Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Neil’s Answer
Hi Shaina
AI is here to stay and is simply a tool for getting stuff done.
It's fine to take forward ideas that AI has generated - I see it all the time in the workplace. However, it needs to be combined with 2 actions on your part.
First, acknowledge that you're using AI. Don't try to pass it off as your work, everyone will know anyway. Be authentic that you're using the tools to speed up work.
Second, add in your human input over the AI. You can add your judgement, experiences and human "taste" to complement the AI information. Really, treat AI as a head-start and work hard on the next step. That's when you'll do something really creative!
Good luck.
Neil
AI is here to stay and is simply a tool for getting stuff done.
It's fine to take forward ideas that AI has generated - I see it all the time in the workplace. However, it needs to be combined with 2 actions on your part.
First, acknowledge that you're using AI. Don't try to pass it off as your work, everyone will know anyway. Be authentic that you're using the tools to speed up work.
Second, add in your human input over the AI. You can add your judgement, experiences and human "taste" to complement the AI information. Really, treat AI as a head-start and work hard on the next step. That's when you'll do something really creative!
Good luck.
Neil
Justin Masse
Sr. Platform DevOps Engineer
7
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Justin’s Answer
AI is only as good as the developer using it. Think of it is just another tool in your kit for now. I would equate it to using an IDE versus VIM. If you have used both, you know how huge of a production job it was to use an advanced IDE like VSCode/IntelliJ… using AI is very similar. If you are not a good developer to begin with then you’ll produce more garbage at lightning speed. Garbage in, garbage out.
With that being said, AI can really open your eyes to things you are missing as well. There are so many times where it will suggest handling an error in a different way that I had not thought about etc… makes me a better developer when I learn from this as well.
With that being said, AI can really open your eyes to things you are missing as well. There are so many times where it will suggest handling an error in a different way that I had not thought about etc… makes me a better developer when I learn from this as well.
Nikhil Koul
Business Analyst
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Nikhil’s Answer
Using AI to generate solutions—even for hackathons or projects—is completely valid as long as you’re actively guiding the process. Prompting AI with design methodologies, refining outputs, and making final decisions still require your creativity, judgment, and intent. You’re not just copying; you’re collaborating.
Feeling guilty is understandable, but remember: AI is a tool, not a shortcut. Great ideas often come from how well you use that tool—not just from what it gives you. If you’re adding value, adapting outputs, and solving real problems, then the solution is just as much yours.
Feeling guilty is understandable, but remember: AI is a tool, not a shortcut. Great ideas often come from how well you use that tool—not just from what it gives you. If you’re adding value, adapting outputs, and solving real problems, then the solution is just as much yours.
Sumitra Biswal
Independent researcher in the intersection of AI and Cybersecurity
40
Answers
India
Updated
Sumitra’s Answer
Dear Shaina,
It’s completely normal to feel that guilt. Many students worry that if AI has already created ideas, then there’s nothing left for them. But the truth is, AI should be seen as an Intelligent Assistant, not a competitor. It gives you a peek at what exists, but your creativity lies in going further, exploring what hasn’t been addressed, and adding your own depth and originality. Instead of seeing AI as replacing you, see it as challenging you to think beyond the surface and design stronger, more meaningful solutions. That is where your unique spark comes in, and that’s something no AI can replace.
Warmly,
Sumitra
It’s completely normal to feel that guilt. Many students worry that if AI has already created ideas, then there’s nothing left for them. But the truth is, AI should be seen as an Intelligent Assistant, not a competitor. It gives you a peek at what exists, but your creativity lies in going further, exploring what hasn’t been addressed, and adding your own depth and originality. Instead of seeing AI as replacing you, see it as challenging you to think beyond the surface and design stronger, more meaningful solutions. That is where your unique spark comes in, and that’s something no AI can replace.
Warmly,
Sumitra
Chris Ridout
Chief Engineer - Software
5
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Chris’s Answer
AI is a useful tool. When used by someone skilled in software engineering, it can be very powerful. However, always remember to check your code for accuracy. This step is important because AI can make mistakes, even in tasks like coding.
I use AI every day for my programming work. I carefully monitor how AI-generated code fits with my existing code.
Don't feel bad about using AI, but if you do, make sure to review the rules of any hackathon or school project regarding AI use.
Keep coding!
Some AI models are better at programming a specific language or framework: be sure to find the right AI-tool for the job.
You need to understand how to write code in your chosen programming language so you can validate the AI code.
I use AI every day for my programming work. I carefully monitor how AI-generated code fits with my existing code.
Don't feel bad about using AI, but if you do, make sure to review the rules of any hackathon or school project regarding AI use.
Keep coding!
Chris recommends the following next steps:
Sharven Rane
Data Scientist
15
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sharven’s Answer
It's totally normal to feel a bit weird about AI-powered solutions, especially when they nail an idea you've been pondering, or even come up with something better! I get it – that feeling of "did I really come up with this, or did the AI?" is pretty common.
Here's the thing: think of AI as an incredibly powerful co-pilot, not a replacement. When you prompt AI with design methodologies and references, you're not just passively receiving ideas. You're actively guiding it, setting the parameters, and feeding it the context. It's like having the world's fastest, most well-read brainstorming partner.
The ideas it generates? They're raw material. Your real skill comes in curating, refining, and executing those ideas. AI can't feel the user's pain, understand market nuances, or navigate the practicalities of a hackathon's constraints in the same way you can. You're the one who breathes life into those concepts, who makes them feasible, and who sells them.
So, for hackathons or projects, don't feel guilty! You're leveraging a cutting-edge tool to amplify your own capabilities. It shows you're smart about using technology to innovate. Your contribution is in the thoughtful prompting, the critical selection, and the hard work of turning a good AI-generated idea into a great, tangible solution. It's collaboration, not cheating.
Here's the thing: think of AI as an incredibly powerful co-pilot, not a replacement. When you prompt AI with design methodologies and references, you're not just passively receiving ideas. You're actively guiding it, setting the parameters, and feeding it the context. It's like having the world's fastest, most well-read brainstorming partner.
The ideas it generates? They're raw material. Your real skill comes in curating, refining, and executing those ideas. AI can't feel the user's pain, understand market nuances, or navigate the practicalities of a hackathon's constraints in the same way you can. You're the one who breathes life into those concepts, who makes them feasible, and who sells them.
So, for hackathons or projects, don't feel guilty! You're leveraging a cutting-edge tool to amplify your own capabilities. It shows you're smart about using technology to innovate. Your contribution is in the thoughtful prompting, the critical selection, and the hard work of turning a good AI-generated idea into a great, tangible solution. It's collaboration, not cheating.
Venkata Sai Sandeep Velaga
Senior software engineering
24
Answers
Princeton, Texas
Updated
Venkata Sai Sandeep’s Answer
Hi Shaina, Going forward, everyone will be using AI in their daily lives. Some of the examples : for writing, coding, learning, or solving real-world problems. Just as calculators and search engines have become everyday tools, AI will become a regular assistant with which we collaborate. The key is not to blindly copy what AI says, but to use it to explore ideas, get suggestions, and then make your own decisions based on what feels right for your project or goal.
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
Kristian Pettyjohn
Product Management, Executive Leadership
1
Answer
Jackson, Wyoming
Updated
Kristian’s Answer
Shaina, many professionals wonder about this too. The key point is that while ideas are easy to generate, executing them is challenging. Use AI to quickly brainstorm and explore ideas, as it's excellent for that purpose. However, the real work involves taking action: leading, pitching, building, selling, etc.
AI can make you more efficient and help you learn faster, but you still need to ensure your idea solves a real problem and is something people will pay for or use. Create a unique version of your idea, build it, and then offer it to others. Then iterate or pivot :)
Remember, don't rely on AI to do all the thinking. Use it to expand and speed up your thought process.
Hope this helps!
AI can make you more efficient and help you learn faster, but you still need to ensure your idea solves a real problem and is something people will pay for or use. Create a unique version of your idea, build it, and then offer it to others. Then iterate or pivot :)
Remember, don't rely on AI to do all the thinking. Use it to expand and speed up your thought process.
Hope this helps!
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