AI can become the patient technology helper who doesn't mind you asking the same question twice

There's a peculiar frustration that comes with modern technology.

Just when you've worked out where everything is, somebody updates it.

The button moves.

The menu changes.

Your phone asks you something you've never seen before.

And suddenly you're thinking:

“What have I done?”

One of the chapters in my book is called Master Everyday Technology Without Feeling Left Behind.

AI is particularly useful here because you don't have to know the correct technical terminology.

Just describe the problem

Try:

I'm not particularly technical. I'm trying to [DESCRIBE TASK] on my [DEVICE]. Explain what I should do in straightforward English and give me one step at a time.

The important phrase is:

“One step at a time.”

You don't need 20 instructions appearing at once.

Stop whenever something doesn't match

Suppose AI says:

“Select Privacy & Security.”

But you can't see it.

Tell AI:

I can't see that. The options I can see are [LIST]. What should I do next?

Now you're having a troubleshooting conversation.

Ask before clicking

If AI tells you to do something you don't understand, ask:

What will that do? Explain it before I change anything.

That's an excellent habit.

You don't need to click something simply because AI told you to.

Security still matters

Never provide passwords, banking security details or verification codes.

And if something looks suspicious, particularly an unexpected email or account warning, go directly to the official organisation rather than following unfamiliar links.

AI can help explain technology.

It shouldn't encourage us to abandon common sense.

Today's challenge

Think of one little technology problem you've been putting up with.

Perhaps your phone.

Your television.

Your laptop.

A printer.

A setting you can't find.

Instead of saying:

“I'll leave it.”

ask AI:

“Can you talk me through this?”

Want to Discover More Ways AI Could Help You?

I'm Tony Phelps, author of AI Made Simple for the Over 50s.

I wrote the book for people who are curious about Artificial Intelligence but don't want complicated technical explanations or unnecessary jargon.

Inside you'll find 50 practical AI prompts showing you how AI can help with everyday tasks, learning, writing, planning, hobbies, organisation, new ideas and much more.

📘 Discover AI Made Simple for the Over 50s

[FIND THE BOOK ON AMAZON AI Made Simple for the Over 50s on Amazon UK

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I've also created a complimentary AI Made Simple Reader Bonus Pack to help you put what you're learning into practice.

It includes:

✓ AI Starter Guide
✓ AI Made Simple Companion Workbook
✓ 30-Day AI Challenge
✓ Prompt Cheat Sheet & Quick Reference Guide

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Keep learning. Keep experimenting. And don't worry about getting everything right first time.

Tony Phelps
Author of AI Made Simple for the Over 50s