Ready to Try AI? Here’s How to Get Started Try Chat GPT

In my recent posts, I suggested that seniors try using Artificial Intelligence such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini. The goal of the articles was to motivate seniors to actually try AI. However, saying “open ChatGPT and ask a question” is a bit like telling someone who has never driven a car, “Get in and go for a drive.”

But if you have never used AI before, you may be wondering, “Yes, but HOW do I actually get started?”

Fair question.

So, here is a simple step-by-step guide. You don't need to be a computer expert. If you can use a web browser and type a question, you have most of what you need.

Option 1: Try ChatGPT

ChatGPT is one of the most popular AI tools. There is a free version, and you can try it without creating an account.

Step 1: Open your web browser

On your computer, tablet or smartphone, open the program you normally use to go onto the internet.

It might be called Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox.

Step 2: Go to ChatGPT

At the top of your screen, you will see a long box where you normally type a website address.

Type:

chatgpt.com

Then press the Enter key on your computer or tap the arrow/go button on your phone or tablet.

You should see the ChatGPT website.

Step 3: Look for the place to type

You will see a box where you can type a question or request.

That's it.

You are ready to have your first conversation with AI.

You don't need to use special computer language. Talk to it much as you would talk to another person.

For your first experiment, try something simple.

Type:

“Give me five ideas for things I can do on a rainy afternoon.”

Then press Enter or click the arrow/send button.

Wait a few seconds.

AI will give you an answer.

Step 4: Ask another question

This is where things get interesting.

You don't have to start over every time you have another question.

You can continue the conversation.

For example, after receiving your five ideas, you could type:

“Give me five more ideas that don't cost any money.”

Then:

“Which one would be good to do with my grandchildren?”

You are now having a conversation with AI.

Step 5: Try something useful

Once you've played around for a few minutes, try something that could actually help you.

For example:

“I am going to Victoria for three days. I have some difficulty walking long distances. Suggest an itinerary with activities that don't require a lot of walking.”

Or:

“Explain compound interest to me as if I were a 12-year-old.”

Or:

“Help me make a grocery list for five simple healthy dinners.”

Don't worry about getting the question exactly right.

If the answer isn't what you wanted, tell AI what you want changed.

Try:

“That's not quite what I meant. Try again and make it simpler.”

That is one of the secrets of using AI. You can keep talking to it.

Do I have to create an account?

Not necessarily.

OpenAI currently allows people to try ChatGPT without creating an account. However, conversations made while you are not logged in aren't saved as chat history. Creating an account gives you more ways to save and manage your conversations.

If ChatGPT asks you to sign in or create an account, don't be alarmed. Follow the instructions on the screen.

You may be offered the choice to sign up using an email address or another supported sign-in method.

If you already have an account with the service, you can sign in instead.

And remember never give an AI service your banking password, SIN, credit card number or other sensitive personal information.