CyberSmarts: Detailed Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence Safely and Smartly

Technology is changing fast, but that does not mean it has to feel overwhelming. Let us take a closer look at artificial intelligence (AI) in plain, friendly language. We'll focus on practical tools you can start using today with confidence. If you are completely new to AI or if you are simply curious about what all the buzz is about, you will find that these tools are more approachable than you might expect.

(A quick guide with the key points from this resource can also be downloaded as a PDF so you can read it anytime, even if you are offline. Click here to download your copy.)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already part of our everyday lives, helping us search the internet, filter spam emails, give directions, and make helpful suggestions on our phones and computers.

You do not need to be a tech expert to use AI; it is designed to make technology easier, safer, and more enjoyable. AI can act like a smart helper, available at any time to assist with writing messages, planning a trip, or getting a quick answer to a question.

1. AI Is Already In Your Life

Before exploring new AI tools, it helps to recognize that you are probably already using AI every day without knowing it. From the suggestions that pop up when you type a text message to the spam filter quietly protecting your email inbox, AI has been working behind the scenes on your behalf for years. Understanding this will help you see that AI is not something mysterious or intimidating; it is simply a smarter extension of technology you already trust.

AI is designed to make technology easier, not harder. So let's look at some ways you would have already experienced AI without realizing it.

Recognizing AI in Daily Use

AI works by recognizing patterns and making educated guesses.

• Predictive Text: When you are typing a text message and your phone suggests the word 'birthday' after you type 'bir'—that is AI predicting what you want to say based on millions of text messages it has learned from.

  

• Entertainment Suggestions: When Netflix suggests a movie you might like, or YouTube shows you videos about gardening because you watched one about roses last week—that is AI learning your preferences.

• Security: When your email automatically moves obvious scam messages to your spam folder—that is AI protecting you from fraudsters.

• Voice Assistants: Asking Siri or Google Assistant a question is a form of using AI.

• Search Results: When Google sometimes gives you a quick answer at the top of the page before showing websites, that is AI.

Clarifying AI Misconceptions

The AI tools discussed here are not science fiction. The AI we use today is more like a very advanced search tool.

• AI cannot think independently.

• AI cannot make decisions for you.

• AI cannot access your personal information unless you specifically give it that information.

• AI is a tool that recognizes patterns and makes educated guesses, similar to a very well-read assistant who offers suggestions. Just like any assistant, it can make mistakes, and you are always the one making the final decisions.

2. Using Generative AI Tools (ChatGPT and Claude)

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are like having two different knowledgeable neighbours, each with their own specialties.

Think of ChatGPT and Claude as two knowledgeable, patient helpers who are available around the clock and never make you feel rushed or foolish for asking questions. Each has its own strengths, and knowing which one suits your needs will save you time and get you better results. The good news is that both are remarkably easy to use; you simply type your question in plain everyday language, just as you would ask a friend.

ChatGPT: The Conversational Assistant

ChatGPT is the most well-known AI assistant, and using it is simpler than sending an email.

Using ChatGPT Safely and Anonymously

You can use ChatGPT without creating an account at all. This means:

• No email address required.

• No phone number needed.

• No personal information is stored.

• You can try it completely anonymously.

What ChatGPT Excels At (Quick and Creative Help)

ChatGPT is great for taking your basic request and helping you express it more clearly and completely.

• Email Drafting: Asking for help to write a polite email to your doctor asking about medication side effects. The AI provides a complete, professional template using appropriate language.

• Simple Explanations: Asking it to explain diabetes in simple terms.

• Recipe Modifications: Asking for a recipe for chicken soup for two people; the AI can adjust recipe sizes and suggest substitutions.

• Quick, conversational help.

• Creative writing assistance.

Tips for Better Results:

• Be specific rather than vague (e.g., 'give me a simple chicken recipe for dinner tonight').

• Do not be afraid to ask follow-up questions (e.g., 'Can you make that recipe dairy-free?').

• If you do not understand the response, ask it to explain more simply (e.g., 'Can you explain that in simpler terms?').

Claude: The Detailed Analyst

Claude is an alternative AI assistant known for handling complex topics and analyzing documents.

Claude's Strengths:

• More detailed explanations.

• Particularly good at breaking down complex topics.

• Excellent at analyzing documents you upload.

• Very careful about accuracy and will often say 'I'm not sure' rather than guess.

Document Upload Feature (Crucial Safety Warning)

Claude's ability to analyze documents is incredibly valuable.

• Uses: Upload insurance documents to ask 'What does this cover for dental work?'; upload medical reports to ask 'What does this test measure?'; upload legal documents to ask 'What are my responsibilities in this agreement?'.

• Safety Note: Only upload documents that do not contain your personal identification numbers, account numbers, or other sensitive data. You can often cover or delete those numbers before uploading.

When to Choose Which Tool:

• Use ChatGPT for: Quick, conversational help, creative writing assistance, recipe modifications, or simple email drafting.

• Use Claude for: Understanding complex documents, detailed explanations of complicated topics, step-by-step instructions, or analyzing uploaded files.

3. AI Tools in Your Pocket (Smartphone Features)

Every smartphone has powerful AI features. Your smartphone is likely already loaded with AI features that can make daily tasks noticeably easier and more convenient. Many people never discover these built-in tools simply because nobody has pointed them out. Once you know where to look, you will find helpful assistants ready to read small text, set reminders, answer questions, and more; all without downloading anything new.

Google Lens: The Superpowered Magnifying Glass

Google Lens is like having a magnifying glass with superpowers. You point your camera at text or an object, and the app recognizes it.

• Features: It can read small text out loud in a clear voice, translate text in another language, or look up information about objects.

• Practical Applications: Reading restaurant menus in dim lighting, identifying plants and flowers, translating signs when travelling, or reading expiration dates on food packages.

Voice Assistants (Siri and Google Assistant)

Siri (iPhone) and Google Assistant (Android) are like having a knowledgeable friend who is always ready to help.

How to Activate:

• iPhone Users (Siri): Say 'Hey Siri' (if set up), or press and hold the side or home button.

• Android Users (Google Assistant): Say 'Hey Google' or 'OK Google', or press and hold the home button.

Useful Commands for Daily Life:

• Health Management: 'Remind me to take my medication at 8 AM every day' or 'Set a timer for 20 minutes'.

• Daily Information: 'What's the weather today?' or 'What time does the library close?'.

• Communication: 'Call Dr. Smith' or 'Text my daughter that I'm running late'.

• Entertainment: 'Play some classical music' or 'What's today's news?'.

Privacy Note:

Voice assistants only listen actively when you say the wake words ('Hey Siri' or 'Hey Google'). These features can also be turned off entirely if you prefer, and you can still use the AI by pressing buttons instead of using voice.

4. CRITICAL SAFETY SECTION (The Golden Rules)

This is the most important part of using AI safely. Using AI is generally very safe, and a little common sense goes a long way toward keeping it that way. Just as you would not hand your wallet to a stranger on the street, there are certain pieces of personal information that should stay private when you are online. The guidelines in this section are straightforward and easy to remember; following them will let you enjoy all the benefits of AI without putting yourself at risk.

The Golden Rule

If you would not tell this information to a complete stranger you just met on the street, do not tell it to an AI.

Always think: "Would I be comfortable if this information appeared in tomorrow's newspaper?" If not, do not share it with AI.

Information You Must NEVER Share with AI Tools

AI tools are designed to be helpful, but they are not human, and they do not have judgment about what is appropriate to share. Never share the following with any AI tool, website, or app:

What to Do If You Make a Mistake

If you accidentally share sensitive information with an AI tool:

1. Do not panic.

2. Change any passwords you might have mentioned.

3. Contact your bank or credit card company if you shared financial information.

4. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.

5. Learn from the mistake and be more careful next time.

5. Practical Exercises and Application

The best way to learn AI is by trying it. Reading about AI is useful, but the fastest way to feel comfortable is simply to try it yourself. These short, practical exercises are designed around real situations you might actually face; things like writing a letter, adjusting a recipe, or making sense of a confusing document. There is no wrong way to practise, and you can always ask the AI to try again if the first response is not quite what you needed.

Exercise 1: Collaborative Email Writing

Goal: Using AI to organize thoughts and maintain a professional tone.

Scenario: You need to write to your insurance company about a claim that is taking too long to process.

• Input to AI: "Help me write a polite but firm email to my insurance company. My claim has been pending for 6 weeks with no updates. I want to request a status update and expected timeline for resolution".

• AI provides: A clear structure, professional language, a subject line, and a request for specific information (claim status and timeline).

Exercise 2: Recipe Modification

Goal: Using AI to customize recipes based on available ingredients and dietary needs.

Example Questions You Can Ask:

• "I have chicken, rice, and broccoli. Can you give me a low-sodium recipe for dinner?".

• "I have ground beef, potatoes, and carrots. I need something that cooks in 30 minutes or less".

Exercise 3: Understanding Complex Topics

Goal: Using AI to explain confusing documents you receive.

Example Questions You Can Ask:

• "Can you explain what this Medicare Annual Notice of Change means in simple terms?".

• "I received a letter about property tax reassessment. What does this mean for me?".

Additional Resources

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501.

• GetCyberSafe.ca for additional tips.

Local police department for scam alerts.

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Return to the CyberSmarts for Seniors Introduction:

CyberSmarts for Seniors: Practical Lessons to Build Digital Confidence and Safety

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This resource is part of the CyberSmarts for Seniors Project, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s
New Horizons for Seniors Program and ELNOS, and delivered in Elliot Lake by Raknas Inc. and Golden Voices, the seniors-focused division of the DiversityCanada Foundation.

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