AI for the Rest of Us: How to Use Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life

Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life

Do You Think AI Isn’t for You?

By now, you’ve probably heard people buzzing about AI like it’s the next big thing (spoiler alert: it is!). And maybe your first thought was: “That’s not for me. What would I even use it for?” You don’t need it for work, you’re not a researcher or a coder, or someone building a robot army in your garage. And honestly, you’re not even really sure what AI is.

Here’s the thing: AI isn’t about learning to use a whole new technology. If you can use a smartphone, type a text, or order something online, you can use AI. Think of it like a modern kitchen appliance. You don’t need to understand the circuitry inside your microwave to heat up leftovers. Same with AI, you just need to know which buttons to push (or in this case, what words to type). And that’s what this article is here to help you with.

What Is AI, Really?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just software that reads and responds to instructions you give it. You’ve actually been using AI for years without realizing it, think autocorrect, Siri or Alexa, Netflix recommendations, or Google Maps re-routing you around traffic.

The new generation of AI tools, like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, go a step further. You can have a full conversation with it. You can ask it to write things, plan trips, solve problems, research and summarize complicated topics, and more. Think of it as the evolution of Google.

But unlike Google, which just gives you pages of links to sift through, AI delivers actual answers, and that’s a game-changer.

How You Ask Matters

The biggest secret to getting useful results from AI is learning how to ask. This is called “prompting.” The clearer your prompt, the better the outcome. It’s a bit like talking to a brilliant intern, give them good instructions and they’ll shine. Be vague and you’ll get a lack-luster result.

Quick Tips for Better Prompting:

  • Be Specific
    Instead of: “Tell me about birds.”
    Try: “Give me a short list of the top 5 backyard birds common in Ontario with a fun fact about each.”
  • Use Natural Language
    You don’t have to sound like a computer programmer.
    Try: “I have leftover roasted chicken and broccoli. What can I cook with that for dinner? Give me 5 suggestions and make one of them a soup recipe.”
  • Set the Tone
    Want it professional? Serious? Friendly? Funny? Say so.
    Example: “Make it casual and friendly.” Or “Write in a witty tone.”
  • Refine and Re-Ask
    Don’t like the first answer? Say: “That was too long. Shorten it to 5 sentences, and focus more on the benefits.”

The Words You Use Matter

AI isn’t a toddler, you don’t need to say “please” or “thank you”. Extra fluff can confuse the system. You want to keep it short, clear, and to the point. AI also doesn’t care if your grammar is perfect. It’s not grading you, it’s just trying to understand what you mean.

Better Prompting Means Better Results:

  • Avoid: “Can you please help me with something?”
    Try: “Tell me how electric cars work like I’m 10. Include the difference between hybrid and battery-powered, and info about charging in cold Canadian weather.”
  • Avoid: “Tell me something about houseplants.”
    Try: “Give me a list of 5 houseplants that don’t need much sunlight or effort.”
  • Avoid: “How do I clean a shirt?”
    Try: “Find me a solution for removing a blood stain from a cotton shirt using regular household products.”

Remember: Garbage in = garbage out. The clearer and more thoughtful your input, the better quality the AI’s response will be.

A Simple Prompt Framework for Everyday Use

You’re not writing code or speaking robot. You’re just giving instructions to a really clever assistant. Here’s a foolproof 4-step structure:

1. Say What You Want to Do (Your Purpose)
Start with your goal: “I want help planning a vacation to Mexico.”

2. Be Clear About What You Want Back (Your Output)
What kind of response do you want? A list? A summary? A comparison chart? Is there a quantity you want?

3. Add Important Details (Filters or Preferences)
Include details like price, dates, brands, location, free wifi, close to a beach, or a certain level of quality.

4. Mention What to Avoid (Optional)
Say what you don’t want—properties with reviews under 4 stars, adult-only resorts, near an airport, etc.

Prompt Examples Using This Format:

Vacation Planning
“I want help planning a vacation to Costa Rica. Give me a list of 5 all-inclusive resorts within 30 minutes of an international airport, 4 stars and above, under $2000 per person for 1 week in May. Avoid adults-only properties. Provide a brief summary of each resort and the latest reviews.”

Gift Ideas
“I need help choosing a gift. Give me 10 birthday gift ideas under $100 for a man who loves golf. Keep them practical and available to order online.”

Writing Help
“Help me write an informative article for my HOA newsletter about how to weather-proof your house for winter. Keep it under 1500 words, professional in tone, and beginner friendly. ”

10 Everyday Ways to Use AI (With Examples)

Here’s where things get fun. Once you know how to prompt, AI becomes incredibly useful. Try it for things like…

1. Writing Emails and Notes
“Write a thank-you email to my neighbour for getting my mail and feeding my cat Whiskers while I was away last week.”
“Help me politely decline a party invitation because I sprained my ankle.”

2. Understanding News or Complex Info
“Summarize today’s top 5 Canadian news stories.”
“Explain tariffs in simple terms including pros and cons, and summarize my country’s current policy.”

3. Meal Planning & Recipes
“What can I make with mushrooms, pasta, and chicken in under 30 minutes?”
“Give me five dinner recipes using salmon, for under $20 for two people. Avoid tomato.”

4. Travel Help
“Plan a 3-day (2-night) road trip itinerary for 2 adults and a 10 year old child, from Toronto to Halifax in summer. Provide 2 scenic stops per day, local restaurants to try, and nice motels for overnight stays. Avoid any toll roads.”
“Suggest 5 vacation spots in Bali, under $1000/week, near a beautiful beach and close to restaurants, nightlife and attractions. Provide the expected weather conditions for the month of April. List the airlines that offer flights to Bali from my city.”

5. Organizing a Family Event
“Plan a backyard 50th birthday party for 12 adults, with a vegan-friendly buffet menu, a signature cocktail in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, and a timeline for a 5pm start.”
“Make a checklist for Thanksgiving dinner for 20 people with recipes, a shopping list, and prep timeline.”

6. Greeting Cards and Other Messages
“Write a funny birthday message for a male coworker turning 60.”
“Help me write a condolence message for a friend whose parent passed away.”

7. Learning Something New
“What is cryptocurrency and how is it used? Make it beginner-friendly.”
“Teach me how to knit.”
“Create a cheat-sheet for how to perform first-aid on a cut.”

8. Shopping Advice
“Give me 10 under-$50 gifts for someone who likes to travel.”
“Compare the iPhone 13 and 14 in plain language. Is the upgrade worth it?”

9. Health & Wellness Support
“Suggest a gentle 10-minute morning stretch routine with a video link.”
“Give me 5 low-sugar snacks that don’t need refrigeration.”

10. Entertainment and Creativity
“Suggest 5 classic movies to watch with my grandkids on a rainy day.”
“Give me ideas for a themed adult game night that’s fun and not X-rated.”

Final Thoughts: Just Sit Down and Try It

Here’s the big takeaway: the best way to learn AI is to just use it.

Try one of these free tools:

You don’t need the paid versions. You don’t need a tutorial. Just type something in. Ask for help with something in your life. See what it gives you. Tweak it. Try again. You’ll be surprised at how helpful it is, and how fast you’ll get the hang of it.

AI isn’t just for tech bros and 20-somethings; it’s for you. It’s for anyone who’s ever wanted to learn something new, forgotten a birthday, needed dinner ideas, or stared at a blank screen wondering how to start an email. It’s here to help, no manual required. The only wrong way to use it is to never try.

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