Getting Comfortable with AI
You may already use AI when your phone suggests a word or a map finds a route. Newer tools let you type or speak a question and get a conversational answer. You do not need to understand how they are built to try one. Start with something small that would make a task at home easier, and see whether the answer is useful to you.
Try a familiar task first
Ask for a recipe using what is in the fridge, help writing a message, or step-by-step instructions for changing a setting on your phone. You can say, “Explain that in simpler words,” or “Give me one step at a time.” If the answer misses the point, tell the tool what it got wrong and ask again. It should be easy to stop if the conversation is not helping.
A few tools to try
Siri and Alexa handle short voice commands. The other tools below are suited to longer questions and follow-ups. What each can do depends on the device and how it is set up.
Tool |
Where to find it |
A simple thing to try |
|---|---|---|
iPhone, iPad, or HomePod |
“Remind me to call Sam tomorrow.” |
|
Echo speaker or Alexa app |
“Set a 15-minute timer.” |
|
Website or mobile app |
“Explain this unfamiliar term in plain English.” |
|
Website or mobile app |
“Help me write a note inviting a friend to lunch.” |
|
Website or mobile app |
“Give me three dinner ideas using rice and beans.” |
|
Windows, website, or mobile app |
“How can I make text easier to read on my PC?” |
|
Meta AI app or Meta social apps |
“Suggest an activity for visiting grandchildren.” |
|
Website or mobile app |
“Find a guide to video calling and show me the sources.” |
Check answers before you act
AI can give a convincing answer that is wrong or out of date. Check important details against the original source, especially opening hours, costs, eligibility rules, and product instructions. For a health question, it may help you put unfamiliar words into plain language or prepare questions for an appointment. A clinician should answer questions about symptoms, medicines, or treatment for your particular situation.
Keep personal information to yourself
You can often ask a useful question without giving your name, address, account number, or full medical history. Do not enter passwords or financial details, and think carefully before uploading a document or sharing information about someone else. Look at the tool’s privacy settings to understand whether conversations are saved, reviewed, or used to improve the service.
Choose a tool you can use comfortably
Some tools work by voice as well as text. Try the size of the type, the clarity of the audio, and how easy it is to correct a question. Check whether the features you want are free or require a subscription. If a family member helps you get started, ask them to show you how to open the tool again, find a past conversation, and change its settings yourself.
Questions to ask before using an AI tool
- What everyday task do I want help with?
- Can I type or speak, and can I read or hear the answer comfortably?
- How can I check an answer that matters?
- What information am I being asked to share, and where will it go?
- Can I delete a conversation or change how it is stored?
- Is there a charge now or after a trial period?
There is no need to hand over a decision to AI. Use it to explore an idea, understand a term, or get a first draft, then decide what to keep. A good place to begin is a question you already know enough about to judge the answer.
Useful Resources
- 6 Simple Tips to Protect Yourself When Using Chatbots – AARP
- How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Answer Important Caregiving Questions – AARP
- Evaluating Health Information – National Library of Medicine