Embracing the future: A personal guide to how to get started with artificial intelligence

Remember when artificial intelligence was just science fiction?

Now AI tools are everywhere, and if you're wondering how to use AI effectively, you're not alone. This article intends to give a first approach of AI for beginners. Whether you're a tech-savvy individual or just starting out, artificial intelligence tools for everyday use have evolved from futuristic concepts into practical solutions.

From AI chatbots filtering spam to suggesting your next Netflix show, the best AI apps are already enhancing your daily routine. If all of this is new to you, you are in the right place, this Artificial Intelligence (AI) guide is just what you need.

Think of artificial intelligence software as a helpful assistant who's great at handling repetitive tasks and offering fresh perspectives. While we're still far from achieving artificial general intelligence that can truly think like humans, today's AI tools offer remarkable capabilities.

When learning how to use ChatGPT and other OpenAI innovations, remember they're not here to replace human creativity or decision-making, but rather to enhance our capabilities and free up time for more meaningful work.

The AI toolkit: Understanding your options

The world of AI tools for small businesses, entrepeneurs and personal use can be divided into three main categories: communication, creativity, and productivity. Each category offers both free AI tools and premium options, letting you start small and scale up as needed.

• Communication: OpenAI's ChatGPT leads the pack of best AI apps with its versatile writing assistance and problem-solving capabilities. The evolution of AI chatbots has come a long way from simple question-and-answer systems to sophisticated assistants that can understand context and nuance. While these tools might seem like AGI at first glance, they're actually narrow AI systems designed for specific tasks - but they're incredibly good at what they do.
• Creativity: AI image generation tools have revolutionized design work. Canva AI's intuitive interface makes it one of the most popular AI tools for beginners. The free version provides access to basic templates and AI features, while the paid version unlocks powerful tools like Magic Design and Brand Kit. Midjourney and Dall-e (openai) also provide digital creators with an array of possibilities for image generation.
• Productivity: AI productivity tools like Notion AI have transformed how we organise information and manage tasks. While learning how to use AI for productivity, start with basic organisation and note-taking features before exploring advanced capabilities like AI writing and summarization.

Is artificial intelligence safe to use for sensitive work?

Most mainstream AI software includes robust security features, but always review AI-generated content and follow basic data protection practices.

AI automation in practice

Artificial intelligence tools for everyday use excel at handling routine tasks that would otherwise consume hours of your time. Companies like OpenAI are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, though we're still far from artificial general intelligence that can truly replace human judgment.

Today's best AI apps for automation may include features such as:

• Generating meeting summaries
• Drafting email responses
• Creating and scheduling social media posts
• Managing customer service through advanced AI chatbots
• Organizing documents
• Categorizing expenses

How to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) effectively

In this Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guide, the key to successful implementation lies in understanding how to use AI effectively. Begin by identifying repetitive tasks in your workflow that could benefit from automation. Take some time researching and evaluating the best tools for each task. As you become more comfortable with artificial intelligence software assistance, you can gradually expand your toolkit and explore more advanced features, such as process automation.

AI adoption has surged from 50 per cent in previous years to 72 per cent in 2024, with 65 per cent of organisations now regularly using generative AI. This rapid adoption signals that AI is no longer an emerging trend but a core part of business operations across multiple industries.

Looking ahead

While discussions of AGI and its implications continue, today's artificial intelligence tools are already transforming how we work. Focus on practical experimentation with the best AI apps that solve real problems in your workflow.

Online communities, tutorials about how to use ChatGPT and other tools, and industry newsletters can help you stay informed about new developments without becoming overwhelmed.

The most important thing to remember is that AI tools for beginners are becoming increasingly accessible and user-friendly. You don't need to understand the complex technology behind artificial intelligence to benefit from its capabilities.

Final thoughts

• Start with simple applications
• Stay curious about new possibilities
• Remember that every expert user once started by learning how to get started with artificial intelligence

The future of AI software is collaborative, enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. By thoughtfully incorporating artificial intelligence tools for everyday use into your workflow, you can automate routine tasks, enhance your productivity, and free up time for the creative and strategic work that truly matters.

This article was first published in City Nomads.