Is an AI-Generated Image Really “Created” by You?

In 2022, Jason Allen’s Théâtre D’Opéra Spatial sparked heated debate after winning first place in the Digital Art / Digitally-Manipulated Photography at the Colorado State Fair. The artwork was generated using Midjourney, an AI image-generation tool, raising questions about creativity and authorship.

Today, AI can create images, write stories, compose music, and imitate artistic styles. As AI becomes part of our everyday lives, children are growing up in a world where the boundaries between human creativity and technology are increasingly blurred.

So, does an AI-generated image count as “creative work”?

There may not be one right answer—and that is exactly why it is worth discussing.

Why Discuss This with Children?

Instead of immediately telling children what to think, parents can ask:

“What do you think?”

This simple question encourages children to:

• Understand different perspectives — Two people can have different opinions about the same question.
• Explain their reasoning — Children can practice organizing their thoughts: Position → Reason → Example → Conclusion.
• Develop critical thinking — They learn to question assumptions instead of simply accepting an answer.
• Build technology literacy — Children begin to understand how AI is changing the way we create and communicate.
• Explore values — The discussion naturally leads to questions about creativity, effort, fairness, and originality.

Start with Your Own Position

Draw a line on a piece of paper.

At one end, write:

“AI-generated images are creative work.”

At the other:

“AI-generated images are not creative work.”

Let each family member place a sticker somewhere along the spectrum. Older children can also write down one reason for their choice.

Then, compare your positions.

Four Perspectives to Explore

1. AI-generated images ARE creative work.

AI can create unexpected combinations, styles, and worlds.

Ask:

“If it creates something new, doesn't that make it creative?”

2. AI-generated images are NOT creative work.

AI has no personal emotions, experiences, or intentions.

Ask:

“If AI doesn't have its own ideas, can it really create?”

3. Humans and AI are co-creators.

A child may choose the idea, write the prompt, adjust the details, and select the final image, while AI generates it.

Ask:

“If humans and AI work together, who is the creator?”

4. It depends on how we define “creation.”

If creativity means “making something new,” AI may qualify.

If it means “expressing your own ideas and emotions,” the answer becomes less clear.

Ask:

“Does changing the definition change the answer?”

Take It One Step Further

Show children several artworks without telling them which were created by AI and which were created by humans.

Ask:

“Which ones do you think were made by humans—and why?”

After they explain their reasoning, reveal the answers.

Then ask:

“Did knowing the truth change your opinion?”

Finally, return to the position spectrum.

Did your sticker move? Why?

The Goal Isn't the “Right” Answer

The purpose of this activity isn't to decide whether AI-generated images are truly art.

It is to help children learn how to form an opinion, explain their reasoning, listen to others, question assumptions, and remain open to changing their minds.

Not every question has a single correct answer.

But learning how to think is always valuable.

 

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