Getting Started

What to Ask (And What Not to Ask)

Get great answers and keep yourself safe

One of the best things about AI is that you can ask it almost anything. But "almost" is the key word. There are things AI is wonderful at, things it's not great at, and things you simply shouldn't share.

Let me help you get the most from AI while keeping yourself safe.

Great Things to Ask AI

AI shines when you need help understanding, explaining, writing, or brainstorming. Here are some excellent uses:

→Explain something confusing — "What does 'deductible' mean in health insurance? Explain it simply."
→Help you write — "Help me write a thank you note for the neighbors who brought us dinner."
→Compare options — "What are the pros and cons of a gas vs. electric stove?"
→Learn how to do something — "How do I unclog a bathroom sink?"
→Get ideas — "What are some good gifts for a 10-year-old who likes science?"
→Understand your health — "My doctor mentioned I have high triglycerides. What does that mean?"
→Research before a purchase — "What should I look for when buying a new mattress?"
→Plan something — "Help me plan a week of easy dinners for two."

Tip: The more specific you are, the better the answer. "Help me write an email" is okay. "Help me write a polite email to my landlord about a broken heater" is much better.

Things AI Isn't Great At

AI has limitations. Knowing them helps you use it wisely:

→Very recent news — AI might not know about things that happened in the last few days or weeks
→Precise calculations — It can make math errors. Double-check anything with numbers that really matter
→Legal or medical advice — It can explain things, but always consult professionals for real decisions
→Predicting the future — It can discuss possibilities, but nobody knows what will happen
→Personal opinions — AI doesn't actually have feelings or preferences, even when it sounds like it does

What You Should NEVER Share with AI

This is important. AI services store your conversations, and while reputable companies have privacy protections, it's smart to keep sensitive information to yourself.

Never share:

✕Your Social Security number
✕Bank account or credit card numbers
✕Passwords or PINs
✕Your full address
✕Medical record numbers or detailed health records
✕Driver's license or passport numbers
✕Private family information you wouldn't want shared

You can ask about these topics without sharing the actual numbers. For example:

Safe way to ask:

"How do I know if someone is trying to steal my Social Security number?" (Don't share your actual number)

Safe way to ask:

"What should I do if I notice a strange charge on my credit card?" (Don't share your card number)

How to Ask Good Questions

You'll get better answers if you give AI enough context. Here's the difference:

Vague question:

"Tell me about Medicare."

Better question:

"I'm turning 65 next year and need to sign up for Medicare. What are the different parts, and what decisions do I need to make?"

The second question tells AI your situation, so it can give you relevant, useful information instead of a generic overview.

It's Okay to Ask Follow-Up Questions

AI conversations work best as back-and-forth exchanges. If an answer is confusing, too long, or not quite what you needed, just say so:

→"Can you explain that more simply?"
→"That's helpful, but what about...?"
→"Can you give me a specific example?"
→"I don't understand the part about X. Can you clarify?"
→"Can you make that shorter?"

AI won't get offended. It's designed to help you understand.

Some Sample Questions to Try

If you're not sure where to start, try one of these:

"What are some easy dinner recipes I can make with chicken, rice, and whatever vegetables I have?"

"I want to understand how to use my iPhone better. What are five features I might not know about that could be really useful?"

"Help me write a short bio for myself. I'm retired from teaching, I love gardening, and I volunteer at the library."

"I'm planning a road trip from Chicago to Nashville. What are some interesting stops along the way?"

The bottom line: Ask AI anything you'd ask a knowledgeable friend. Be specific, keep private numbers private, and don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions until you get what you need.

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About Speak Human

I help people like you feel confident using AI in everyday life. No jargon, no judgment, just practical guidance.