A new mobile application called Elicit is rethinking the way people interact with artificial intelligence. Built by the tech startup Cognitive Sparks Labs, the app leans on OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology, but with a twist. Instead of waiting for your questions, it’s the AI that starts the conversation. Users receive tailored prompts meant to spark creativity, whether for writing, journaling, or simple idea generation. In a sense, it flips the typical AI chat model on its head.
Key Takeaways
- A new app, Elicit, uses ChatGPT to provide prompts to users instead of waiting for commands.
- The primary goal is to help people overcome creative blocks, start journaling, or find new ideas.
- It offers specific modes for creative writing, personal reflection, and brainstorming.
- The app can personalize prompts by learning from a user’s previous interactions.
The standard use of an AI chatbot like ChatGPT usually starts with a command or a question. Elicit turns that process around. When you open the app, the AI greets you with a prompt designed to make you think. The idea is to tackle what many writers know all too well: the “blank page syndrome,” where starting feels harder than continuing. For instance, instead of staring at an empty document, you might be met with something like, “Describe a city where the colour of the sky changes based on the collective mood of its citizens.” It’s a small push, but enough to get the imagination moving.
Elicit runs on OpenAI’s GPT-4 model, the same advanced system behind many popular AI tools. Cognitive Sparks Labs has layered on several distinct modes to suit different needs. In ‘Creative Writing’ mode, the app suggests plot twists, character traits, or snippets of dialogue. In ‘Journaling’ mode, it offers reflective prompts such as, “What was one small thing that brought you joy today, and why?”—a way of encouraging daily self-reflection without the pressure of a blank page. There’s also ‘Brainstorm’ mode, where prompts nudge users toward fresh project ideas, unique perspectives, or unexpected connections.
On online forums like Reddit, early users have described the app as surprisingly effective at breaking mental blocks. Some say its gentle nudges help them in professional settings, while others find it useful in more personal, day-to-day ways. Another interesting addition is a mode that generates descriptive text prompts tailored for AI image tools like Midjourney or DALL-E, making it easier for people to create vivid, highly specific visuals.
Over time, Elicit adapts by learning from your interactions, offering more tailored prompts as you continue using it. That feature has already sparked conversations about data privacy, something that seems to surface with almost every AI-powered tool. The developers stress that the data is handled securely and that the learning feature is optional for those who’d prefer not to use it.
The app is available now for both iOS and Android. It follows a freemium model: the basics are free, while a subscription unlocks deeper personalization and curated content packs for users who want more from the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Elicit app?
A. Elicit is a mobile app that uses AI to give you prompts for writing, journaling, and brainstorming. Instead of you prompting the AI, the AI prompts you.
Q. How does Elicit work?
A. The app uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology to generate creative and thought-provoking questions and statements. It can tailor these prompts based on your past interactions with the app.
Q. Is the Elicit app free?
A. Elicit offers a free version with access to basic prompts. A paid subscription is available for users who want more advanced and personalized features.
Q. What technology does Elicit use?
A. Elicit is built upon the GPT-4 artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI.
Q. Can Elicit help with writer’s block?
A. Yes, the app is specifically designed to help people overcome creative hurdles like writer’s block by providing unique story starters and ideas.
