SPECIAL TOPIC: Scientific Innovation and Knowledge Transformation from the Perspective of New Quality Productive Forces

Double-Edged Sword Effect of Large Language Model Dependence on Researchers’ Creativity

  • Yao Shanji ,
  • Liu Wenli ,
  • Yan Rui ,
  • Liu Dewen
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  • 1 School of Economics and Management, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816;
    2 Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100;
    3 School of Management, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 21000

Received date: 2025-05-08

  Revised date: 2025-06-15

  Online published: 2025-12-05

Supported by

This work is supported by the National Social Science Fund of China project titled “Research on Knowledge Association and Value Mining of Documentary Resources of Chinese Meritorious Scientists” (Grant No. 23CTQ027).

Abstract

[Purpose/Significance] As an important engine for developing new quality productive forces, large language models (LLMs) have significantly improved researchers’ efficiency. However, their widespread use has also given rise to concerns about dependence. Exploring the “double-edged sword” effect of LLM dependence on researchers’ creativity can offer practical insights for enhancing creativity in the era of artificial intelligence. [Method/Process] Based on conservation of resources (COR) theory, a theoretical model of the “double-edged sword” effect of LLM dependence on researchers’ creativity was constructed from the perspectives of resource depletion and resource gain. Empirical testing was conducted using survey data collected from 346 researchers. [Result/Conclusion] The existential dependence on LLMs negatively affects researchers’ creativity by inducing anxiety, whereas functional dependence positively contributes to researchers’ creativity by enhancing psychological availability. Moreover, perceived overqualification intensifies the effect of existential dependence on anxiety, and strengthens the mediating effect of anxiety between existential dependence and researchers’ creativity. Similarly, perceived overqualification amplifies the positive relationship between functional dependence and psychological availability, as well as the mediating effect of psychological availability in the relationship between functional dependence and researchers’ creativity.

Cite this article

Yao Shanji , Liu Wenli , Yan Rui , Liu Dewen . Double-Edged Sword Effect of Large Language Model Dependence on Researchers’ Creativity[J]. Library and Information Service, 2025 , 69(24) : 16 -30 . DOI: 10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2025.24.002

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