The Beginners Guide to AI
Hayley Curnow
2 min read


Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. In fact, it's been around since the 1960's. But what does that mean for you?
In this guide, we’ll break AI down into plain English and show you some easy ways to start using it today.
What is AI, and Why Should You Care?
AI is just a smart assistant that can help with everyday tasks. Think of it like:
A super-powered Google – ask it questions, and it gives you answers in seconds.
A personal secretary – AI can help write emails, create shopping lists, and organize your schedule.
A conversation partner – You can chat with AI to brainstorm ideas, learn new things, or just have fun.
AI You May Already Be Using
Chances are, you’ve already interacted with AI without realizing it:
Voice Assistants - Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
Smart Suggestions - Netflix recommending shows or Gmail predicting your emails.
Navigation Apps – Google Maps suggesting the fastest route.
It’s already part of your daily life. Now, let’s look at how to use it with pupose.
Easy Ways to Start Using AI Today
1️⃣ Try a Chatbot (Like ChatGPT) - Chatbots like ChatGPT can answer questions, help write messages, or even tell jokes. Go to chat.openai.com and type any question e.g. “What should I make for dinner tonight?”
2️⃣ Use AI to write emails & messages - Struggle with wording emails? Try it: Type “Write a polite email asking my doctor for an appointment.”
3️⃣ Ask AI to Plan Something for You. Try it: Ask “Plan a 3-day trip to Queenstown, New Zealand.”
4️⃣ Use AI for Voice Commands - If typing isn’t your thing, just talk to your phone! With the right app installed e.g. Google Assistant or Alexa can answer questions, set reminders, or even tell you the weather. Try it:
For iphone, say “Hey Siri, remind me to take medication at 8 AM.”
For Android, say "Hey Google, remind me to take medication at 8 AM.”
Final Thoughts:
AI is about making life easier. You don’t need to be a tech whiz to use it. Start small, experiment a little, and soon, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Want more simple AI tips? Stay tuned for upcoming posts!