Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
Since November 2022, we’ve been living through a tech revolution that’s changed the way we get information. Imagine having a digital assistant, always ready to answer your questions in a clear, structured way. You no longer have to sift through endless search results—tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and others give you answers on a silver platter. Pretty cool, right? But, before you start relying on them for everything, there are a few things you need to know.
The power of AI: Is there a brain behind the screen?
When you first meet one of these digital assistants, you might feel like you’re talking to someone who really knows their stuff. You ask a question, and boom! You get an answer that’s clear and well-written, like it’s been put together by a human. Sounds almost like magic, right? But don’t be fooled—these AI models, which are super smart statistical tools, don’t have a brain like we do. They don’t “think” in the way we do, but instead predict what the next word should be based on millions of sources they’ve read.
Think of them like very advanced calculators for words. They can handle vast amounts of information, and when you ask them something, they’ll pull out the most likely answer. But there’s no “mind” behind the response—just a bunch of data and some clever algorithms at work.
Watch out for the “hallucinations”
These AI tools can seem so convincing that it’s easy to forget they’re not perfect. Sometimes, they can “hallucinate”—which is just a fancy word for making stuff up. That’s right! The AI might give you a well-written answer that sounds totally plausible, but it could be completely wrong or not based on real facts. So, just because it looks good on the screen, doesn’t mean it’s true.
You’ve probably noticed that most of these models now list their sources. But even when they do, it’s not always easy to check if what they’ve written actually matches the source. Sometimes, you might get an answer, but the source they give doesn’t quite add up. That’s why, while these tools are incredibly handy, you still need to do some legwork to verify important facts.
It’s all about the right command
Want better results from ChatGPT or any of the other AI tools? It all comes down to how you ask. Think of it like ordering food at a restaurant—you don’t just say, “Bring me something delicious.” You tell the waiter exactly what you’re in the mood for. Same thing with these models! The more specific and clear your question, the better the answer. And yes, people are actually making careers out of “prompt engineering,” or figuring out the best way to ask these models questions to get the most accurate responses.
But remember, even the best prompt can’t guarantee perfect results every time. That’s why it’s still important to use your own judgment and not let these tools replace critical thinking.
Tips for using ChatGPT (according to ChatGPT itself)
Here are a few golden rules from the AI itself to help you get the most out of these tools:
1. Be Specific: The more detail you give, the better the response.
2. Question the Answers: Don’t take everything at face value. Think critically about what it tells you.
3. Fact-check When Needed: Use other reliable sources to verify important facts.
4. Use It as a Starting Point: It’s not the final word on any topic. Use it as a springboard for your own research.
5. Consult Experts for Serious Matters: For medical, legal, or really important stuff, always consult a professional.
6. Don’t Rely on AI Alone: For big decisions, human judgment is still irreplaceable.
Bottom line: It’s a tool, not a substitute
In the end, these AI assistants are incredible tools that can save you time and effort, but they’re not flawless. Think of them as your super-smart sidekick who can whip up answers quickly but might need a little guidance. So, use them wisely—check the facts, question the conclusions, and keep your critical thinking sharp!
In the world of digital assistants, ChatGPT and its buddies are a game-changer. But just like with any powerful tool, knowing how to use it the right way will make all the difference. Happy chatting!
*This article is a translated version of the original Greek article by Manolis Andriotakis
