Back to Getting Started

Your First Conversation

A step-by-step guide to talking with AI for the first time.

5 minute read

If you've never talked to AI before, this guide is for you. By the end, you'll have had your first real conversation with AI — and it's easier than you think.

Step 1: Go to ChatGPT

Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge — any will work) and go to:

chatgpt.com

This is OpenAI's free AI assistant. You can also use Claude (claude.ai) or Gemini (gemini.google.com), but we'll start with ChatGPT because it's the most popular.

Step 2: Create a Free Account

Click "Sign up" and create a free account. You can use:

  • Your email address
  • Your Google account (if you have Gmail)
  • Your Apple account (if you have an iPhone)

Pick whichever is easiest for you. The free account is all you need to get started.

Tip: You don't need to pay for anything. The free version works great for learning!

Step 3: Type Your First Message

You'll see a text box at the bottom of the screen. This is where you type. Try copying this exactly:

Type this:

"Hello! I'm new to using AI. Can you explain what you can help me with?"

Press Enter (or click the send button) and wait a few seconds. The AI will respond!

Step 4: Ask a Follow-Up Question

Now you're having a conversation! Try asking something personal to you. For example:

  • "What's a good recipe for chicken that's easy to make?"
  • "Can you explain what my doctor meant when they said my cholesterol was borderline high?"
  • "I want to learn how to use my iPhone better. Where should I start?"

Just type naturally, like you're texting a helpful friend.

Important:

Don't share sensitive information like your Social Security number, passwords, or bank account details. AI is helpful, but treat it like a conversation in a public place.

Step 5: Keep Going!

That's it — you're using AI! Some things to know:

  • Ask follow-up questions. If the answer wasn't quite right, say so. "Can you make that simpler?" or "That's not what I meant — I was asking about..."
  • Be specific. "Help me write a birthday card for my grandson who loves dinosaurs" works better than "help me write a card."
  • You can't break it. There's no wrong question. Just try things!

What's Next?

You just had your first AI conversation! Here are some guides you might want to read next:

Sites You Can Trust →

Make sure you're using real AI websites

Understanding Lab Results →

A practical example of how AI can help you

You did it! The first conversation is the hardest. It only gets easier from here.