AI 101: A beginners guide to artificial intelligence


Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in the news a lot lately, with tools like ChatGPT and Apple’s recent big splash. But what exactly is AI, and how can you start using it in your daily life without feeling overwhelmed or scared?

In simple terms, AI is like teaching computers to think and do things that usually require human smarts, like understanding language, recognizing images and making decisions.

If you’re new to AI and want to learn how to use tools like ChatGPT, here are five easy tips to help you get started:

  1. Learn to ask the right questions: When using ChatGPT and tools like it, the key to getting good answers is to ask clear and specific questions. Be as detailed as possible about what you want the AI to do and give it some context and examples if you can.
  2. Have a conversation: ChatGPT is designed to have back-and-forth conversations, just like you would with a person. Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions, ask for clarification or even disagree with the AI’s responses. By having a dialogue, you can help the AI better understand what you need and give you more helpful answers.
  3. Use AI tools for specific tasks: While ChatGPT can do a lot of different things, there are also AI tools designed for specific tasks. For example, Grammarly can help you write better, while DALL-E and Midjourney can create unique images from your descriptions. Perplexity, while similar to ChatGPT is great when you’re looking for answers or doing research. Figure out what tasks you need help with and look for AI tools that are made for those specific things.
  4. Remember that AI isn’t perfect: While AI tools are really powerful, it’s important to remember they have limitations and can sometimes be biased. These tools learn from huge amounts of data, which may include biases that exist in our society. Always think critically about the answers you get from AI tools and use them as a starting point for further learning and discussion.
  5. Keep learning: AI is a field that’s always changing, with new tools and techniques coming out all the time. To get the most out of AI tools, be open to learning new things and trying new approaches. Play around with different ways of asking questions, try out new tools, and stay curious about the latest developments in AI.

By following these tips, you can start using AI tools in your daily life without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed. Remember, the key to success with AI is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Have your tried ChatGPT and other AI tools? Were you impressed or distressed? We’d love to hear what you think! Share your thoughts with the Shop Talk community.

Did you know? AI and creativity

One of the cool things about AI tools is that they can help spark your creativity. You can use them to research, brainstorm ideas or even create fun and silly stories. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild and see what kind of creative ideas you can come up with using AI.

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