What Is Prompt Engineering? How to Ask AI the Right Questions

Have you ever asked a question to a voice assistant or typed something into a tool like ChatGPT—and the answer wasn’t quite what you expected? You’re not alone. Knowing how to ask the right kind of question, or “prompt,” is the secret to getting better answers from artificial intelligence (AI). This article explains what “prompt engineering” means in simple terms—and how you can use it to make the most out of your conversations with tools like ChatGPT.

Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a computer expert. This guide is made especially for beginners and older adults. Let’s walk through it together.

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Key Takeaways

  • Prompt engineering means learning how to ask questions that AI tools can understand clearly.
  • You don’t need technical knowledge—just a few easy tips and examples.
  • Clear, specific prompts give you better, more helpful answers.
  • Practice helps: the more you try, the better your results.
  • AI tools are here to help—you’re in control of the conversation.

What Is Prompt Engineering?

Let’s start with the basics. “Prompt engineering” is just a fancy way of saying: how to talk to an AI in a way it understands best.

Think of it like ordering at a restaurant. If you simply say, “I want food,” the waiter won’t know what kind. But if you say, “I’d like a grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo,” now you’re being specific—and you’re more likely to get what you want.

The same idea applies to AI tools like ChatGPT. If you give a vague question, the answer might be vague too. But if you’re clear and specific, the AI can give you a much better response.

Why Good Prompts Matter

You might be thinking: “Can’t I just type whatever I want?” Of course! But if your question isn’t clear, AI might:

  • Give you an answer that’s too general
  • Focus on the wrong topic
  • Leave out something you needed

A well-written prompt can help you:

  • Save time
  • Get more accurate answers
  • Avoid confusion or back-and-forth

And most importantly, it helps you feel more confident using technology.

Simple Tips to Improve Your Prompts

You don’t need perfect grammar or tech lingo. Just follow these beginner-friendly tips:

1. Be Specific

Instead of:
“What’s a good recipe?”

Try:
“What’s an easy chicken soup recipe with ingredients I might already have at home?”

2. Set the Tone or Style

Let the AI know how you want it to answer.

Example:
“Explain what inflation is in simple terms, like you’re talking to someone with no background in finance.”

3. Give Context

Adding a little background helps.

Example:
“I’m a beginner using my iPhone for the first time. Can you explain how to send a text message?”

4. Ask for Lists or Steps

Sometimes you want step-by-step help.

Example:
“Can you give me 5 simple ways to stay safe from online scams?”

5. Ask for Rewrites or Edits

Want help polishing your words?

Example:
Can you make this email sound more polite?

Or:
“Rewrite this sentence to sound more friendly.”

6. Try Again with Clarifications

If the first answer isn’t quite right, you can always respond with something like:

  • “Can you explain that more simply?”
  • “Give me a shorter version.”
  • “Can you focus on just the pros and cons?”

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you want to plan a family dinner. Here’s how a good prompt might look:

Not-so-great prompt:
“What should I cook?”

Better prompt:
“I’m planning a dinner for 4 adults and 2 kids. One person is vegetarian. Can you suggest an easy meal that everyone might enjoy?”

The better version gives the AI more information—so it can give you a more helpful answer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced users sometimes forget these:

  • Being too vague
  • Asking multiple things at once
  • Not following up if the answer is unclear

Quick Fixes:

  • Break long prompts into smaller ones
  • Ask one question at a time
  • Be patient—it’s okay to try a few times

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a tech expert to use AI well. Just like learning how to ask better questions in real life, writing better prompts comes with a little practice and a lot of curiosity.

Think of prompt engineering as a helpful trick—not a skill you need to master overnight. With just a few simple tips, you can get smarter answers, save time, and feel more in control when using AI tools like ChatGPT.

So go ahead—try asking something new today!

Categories AI

How to set up a custom Focus on your iPhone or iPad | Apple Support

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To set up a custom focus on your iPhone or iPad, open Control Center, then tap “Focus” and select “Custom.” Choose an icon color and name for your focus, such as “Travel.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. To activate your custom focus, open Control Center again, tap “Focus,” and select the focus you created. Now, you’re ready to concentrate on your chosen activity, whether it’s travel or any other task you need to focus on.

Summary:
– Open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.
– Tap “Focus” and select “Custom.”
– Choose an icon color and name for your focus.
– Follow on-screen instructions to finish setting up your custom focus.
– To activate, reopen Control Center, tap “Focus,” and select your custom focus.

How to use Apple Pay | Apple Support

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With Apple Pay, you can effortlessly make purchases in stores, online, and in apps using your Apple devices, ensuring security and privacy. Start by signing in with your Apple ID on any device you want to use with Apple Pay. On your iPhone, open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and add a credit or debit card either by scanning it with the camera or entering the information manually.

Once added, you can verify it for use on your Apple Watch as well. Look for the Apple Pay symbol when making purchases in person, at participating stores, restaurants, vending machines, or even for ride shares or public transit. To check out, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone, or using your passcode if configured. When shopping online or in apps, simply select the Apple Pay option at checkout, confirm billing details, and you’re done. It’s a convenient and secure way to shop.

Summary:
– Apple Pay allows easy, secure, and private purchases in stores, online, and in apps using Apple devices.
– Start by signing in with your Apple ID on the desired device.
– In the Wallet app on your iPhone, add a credit or debit card by scanning it or entering the details manually.
– Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode when making purchases in person or online.
– Look for the Apple Pay symbol at checkout, confirm billing details, and complete the purchase securely and conveniently.

The Role of Humans in an AI World

You’ve probably heard a lot about artificial intelligence, or AI. It seems to be popping up everywhere—from voice assistants to smart tools that help us shop, drive, or even write. While AI can be helpful, some people worry it might replace human jobs or make our skills less valuable.

But here’s the good news: AI may be powerful, but it can’t do everything. In fact, your human abilities—like thinking clearly, being creative, and showing kindness—are more important than ever. This article will show you how humans and AI can work together, and why your skills still matter in this new tech-driven world.

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Key Takeaways

  • AI can do many tasks, but it lacks human traits like empathy, creativity, and moral judgment.
  • Human roles will shift toward tasks that require understanding, problem-solving, and care.
  • Learning how to work with AI—not compete against it—is the key to staying confident and relevant.
  • Everyday people, especially older adults, bring life experience that AI simply can’t replicate.

Understanding What AI Can and Can’t Do

Let’s start by clarifying what AI really is. AI is a type of technology that lets machines “learn” from data and perform tasks—like sorting emails, recognizing speech, or even predicting the weather.

But AI is not magic. It doesn’t truly understand, feel, or care. It’s trained to follow patterns based on information it has been given.

Here’s a simple way to look at it:

  • What AI can do:
    • Calculate and analyze large amounts of data
    • Automate repetitive tasks (like organizing files)
    • Recognize faces, speech, or patterns
  • What AI can’t do:
    • Show emotions or empathy
    • Make moral or ethical decisions
    • Understand context the way humans do
    • Think creatively or “outside the box”

AI is like a helpful tool—but one that still needs a human hand to guide it.

Human Skills That Can’t Be Replaced

1. Creativity

AI can help write music or suggest headlines, but true creativity comes from human experience, emotion, and inspiration. A machine might copy a style, but it can’t dream up a brand-new idea based on personal memories or feelings.

Example: A grandmother’s secret recipe passed down through generations isn’t just ingredients—it’s love, culture, and memory. That’s something only a human can share.

2. Empathy and Emotional Understanding

When someone is going through a tough time, they need a kind word or a listening ear. AI doesn’t feel emotions and can’t offer real comfort or understanding the way people can.

Example: A nurse holding a patient’s hand before surgery does something no machine can replicate: offering warmth and connection in a scary moment.

3. Judgment and Wisdom

With age comes experience. Humans can use wisdom to make complex decisions, especially in uncertain situations. AI relies on data—but not everything in life follows a formula.

Example: Choosing the right moment to talk to a loved one about a sensitive topic requires timing, care, and understanding—not something you can program.

4. Adaptability and Common Sense

Life is full of surprises. When something unexpected happens, humans can adjust and make quick choices based on context. AI often struggles when things don’t go according to plan.

How Humans and AI Can Work Together

Rather than seeing AI as a threat, think of it as a partner. You don’t need to become a tech expert—but knowing how AI works can help you stay in control and use it to your advantage.

Here are a few ways people are combining their human skills with AI tools:

  • Writers use AI to brainstorm ideas, but they still write with personal voice and feeling.
  • Doctors use AI to help spot medical issues, but they make the final call with their own judgment.
  • Teachers use AI-powered apps for practice exercises, but real learning happens through human guidance and support.

This shows a powerful truth: AI may assist, but people lead.

What This Means for You

If you’re not a tech-savvy person, don’t worry. You don’t have to become an expert in coding or robotics. Just being curious, open-minded, and willing to learn a little can go a long way.

And remember—your life experience, perspective, and care are valuable. AI can’t replace your role in your family, your community, or your world.

Final Thoughts

In a world full of smart machines, human strengths still shine the brightest. Your ability to care, create, decide, and adapt makes you irreplaceable. As technology grows, it’s not about humans vs. AI—it’s about how we work together.

Whether you’re learning something new or helping someone else along the way, your human touch will always matter. So stay curious, stay confident—and know that your skills are here to stay.

Categories AI

How to use Touch Accommodations on your iPhone or iPad | Apple Support

Customize your iPhone or iPad with Touch accommodations, altering how it responds to touch inputs. Begin by setting up Touch accommodations in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Touch Accommodations. Enable “Hold Duration” for extra time to confirm taps, adjusting the duration as needed. Swipe gestures allow faster swiping, while “Ignore Repeat” prevents multiple taps within a timeframe from registering separately. “Tap Assistance” aids precise tapping, letting you choose initial or final touch location for taps and adjust gesture delay. Activate Touch accommodations and use features like hold duration to open apps or tap assistance to ensure accurate tapping, enhancing your device’s usability.

Summary:
– Customize touch response on iPhone or iPad with Touch accommodations.
– Access settings in Accessibility > Touch > Touch Accommodations.
– Enable “Hold Duration” for extended time to confirm taps.
– Utilize “Swipe Gestures” for quicker swiping without hold duration.
– Activate “Tap Assistance” to ensure precise tapping by selecting initial or final touch location.

Ethical AI: What It Means and Why It Matters

You’ve probably heard about artificial intelligence—or AI for short. From voice assistants to smart home devices, AI is becoming part of our daily lives. But as these tools grow smarter, an important question comes up: Are they doing the right thing?

This article introduces the idea of ethical AI—what it means, why it’s needed, and how it helps protect people like you and me. Don’t worry—no technical background needed. We’ll explain everything in simple terms, step by step.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Ethical AI means designing AI to be fair, honest, and responsible.
  • Transparency helps us understand how AI systems make decisions.
  • Fairness means treating everyone equally, without hidden bias.
  • Accountability ensures someone is responsible if things go wrong.
  • Ethical AI helps build trust—and protects people from harm.

What Is “Ethical AI,” Exactly?

Ethical AI is about making sure artificial intelligence is used the right way. Just like we expect people to follow rules and treat others fairly, AI systems should do the same.

But since AI doesn’t “think” or feel like we do, designers and developers have to build those values into the system ahead of time.

Let’s break it down into three simple ideas: transparency, fairness, and accountability.

1. Transparency: Seeing Behind the Curtain

When a computer or AI makes a decision—like recommending a job applicant or filtering online news—it should be clear how it reached that decision.

But many AI tools are like black boxes: they give answers without showing their work.

Transparency means:

  • AI systems explain what they do and why.
  • Users and reviewers can ask questions about the process.
  • People aren’t left guessing about how choices are made.

Example:
If a hospital uses AI to suggest treatment plans, doctors and patients should understand why a certain plan was chosen—not just be told “the computer says so.”

2. Fairness: Treating People Equally

AI systems learn from data—and if that data contains unfair patterns, the AI might repeat them.

Fairness means:

  • Avoiding hidden bias against people based on race, age, gender, or income.
  • Testing systems to make sure everyone gets equal treatment.
  • Using diverse, well-rounded data to train the AI.

Example:
If a loan approval system has mostly learned from one neighborhood or group, it might unfairly deny loans to others. Fair AI works to correct this.

3. Accountability: Who’s in Charge?

If an AI system makes a mistake—say, a self-driving car crashes or an AI incorrectly blocks someone from applying for a benefit—someone must take responsibility.

Accountability means:

  • There are clear rules about who is responsible for AI decisions.
  • People can report problems and get support if something goes wrong.
  • Governments and companies put safety checks in place.

Example:
If a facial recognition system wrongly identifies someone, the company that built it should be ready to explain, fix the issue, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Why Ethical AI Matters to You

Even if you don’t work in tech, ethical AI touches your life in small but important ways:

  • When applying for jobs or housing online
  • When using smart health tools or insurance services
  • When your personal information is stored or analyzed

Ethical design helps protect your rights, reduce errors, and build trust in the tools you use every day.

Final Thoughts

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool—but like any tool, it needs careful guidance. Ethical AI means making sure that technology works for people, not against them.

You don’t need to be a programmer to care about this. Just knowing the basics—transparency, fairness, and accountability—helps you ask smart questions and understand how technology fits into your world.

Want to keep learning? Check out our beginner’s guides on AI safety, how AI learns from data, or why bias in tech matters more than ever.

Categories AI

How to Navigate your iPhone or iPad with VoiceOver | Apple Support

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VoiceOver is a crucial feature for those with vision impairments, as it reads aloud the content on your iPhone or iPad. To activate VoiceOver, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver, where you can customize settings and turn it on. With VoiceOver enabled, you can navigate using unique gestures like swiping with three fingers to scroll or double-tapping to open apps.

Dragging your finger across the screen reads item names, and tapping twice with two fingers pauses or resumes reading. Additionally, unlocking the device or accessing Control Center and Notification Center involves specific gestures. The app switcher is opened by dragging up from the bottom of the screen. These gestures facilitate seamless navigation, enhancing accessibility for users.

Summary:
– VoiceOver is an accessibility feature for visually impaired users on iPhone and iPad.
– Enable VoiceOver in Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver.
– Unique gestures like swiping with three fingers for scrolling and double-tapping to open apps are used.
– Dragging a finger across the screen reads item names, while tapping twice with two fingers pauses or resumes reading.
– Other gestures include unlocking the device, accessing Control Center and Notification Center, and opening the app switcher.

How to set up and use Apple Cash on your iPhone | Apple Support

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Alright, let’s dive into setting up Apple Cash. First, ensure you have a compatible iPhone with the latest iOS version and two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID. Make sure all devices you want to use for sending and receiving money are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID. If you plan to add funds, have an eligible debit card in Wallet.

To set up Apple Cash, open Wallet or go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay, then turn on Apple Cash. Enter your Apple ID password, sign in, and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. Review and accept terms and conditions, then tap continue and add a card if needed. Now you’re ready to send or request money via Messages.

In a conversation, tap the plus button, select Apple Cash, enter the amount, add a comment if needed, and send. To add funds, tap your Apple Cash card in Wallet, tap the more button, select add money, enter the amount, and authenticate. That’s it! You’re all set up to use Apple Cash for payments and more.

For further assistance, subscribe to the Apple Support YouTube channel or explore more tutorials. Remember, Apple Cash services are provided by Greenbank and available in the US only. Terms and conditions apply.

Summary:
– Ensure iPhone compatibility and two-factor authentication for Apple ID.
– Open Wallet or Settings to enable Apple Cash, authenticate, and accept terms.
– Add a debit card if necessary for funds.
– Use Messages to send or request money, specifying amount and adding a comment if desired.
– To add funds, access Wallet, tap Apple Cash, select “more,” choose “add money,” enter amount, and authenticate.

Can AI Be Trusted to Make Big Decisions?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing up in more places than ever—from helping doctors diagnose illness to sorting job applications. But can we really trust it with important, life-changing decisions?

This article explains how AI is being used in serious settings like courtrooms and hiring—and what that means for everyday people. Don’t worry—it’s written in plain language, with examples to help you understand how it all works and why it matters.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • AI is already helping with big decisions like hiring and legal recommendations.
  • These tools look for patterns in large amounts of data.
  • But AI can make mistakes, especially if the data it learns from is unfair or incomplete.
  • People are still needed to double-check and use good judgment.
  • It’s important to stay informed so we know when and how AI is being used.

How Does AI Make Decisions?

AI doesn’t “think” like humans. Instead, it analyzes data—lots of it—to spot patterns and make predictions. Think of it like a super-powered calculator that’s trained to answer complex questions based on past examples.

But here’s the catch: if the examples it learns from are flawed, the answers can be flawed too. That’s especially important when AI is used in areas where fairness and accuracy really matter.

Real-Life Example: AI in Hiring

Many companies now use AI to help sort through job applications. It can:

  • Scan resumes for keywords
  • Rank candidates based on past hiring patterns
  • Even conduct video interviews using facial analysis

Sounds efficient, right? But here’s the concern:

  • If the past data shows a preference for certain groups, the AI might repeat that bias.
  • If a qualified applicant uses different words, they could be unfairly ranked lower.
  • If video software misreads facial expressions, someone might be judged incorrectly.

So while AI saves time, it might miss great candidates or treat people unfairly—especially those from different backgrounds.

Real-Life Example: AI in the Courtroom

Some courts have tested AI tools to help judges decide things like:

  • Who can safely be released on bail
  • Who might be at risk of committing another crime

These tools look at data like age, past arrests, and criminal records. But again:

  • If the data reflects past inequalities, the AI might make unfair predictions.
  • If it can’t understand a person’s unique story, it may offer advice that lacks human compassion.

In fact, some studies have shown that these tools may treat people of color more harshly—not because the AI is “racist,” but because it’s copying biased patterns from past cases.

Can AI Be Fair?

AI can be a helpful tool—but fairness depends on the data it learns from, and how it’s used. That’s why humans still need to stay involved.

To make AI fairer, experts are:

  • Testing AI for hidden bias
  • Using more diverse data to train it
  • Making sure people understand how AI decisions are made
  • Requiring human oversight for big decisions

Final Thoughts

AI is powerful—but it’s not perfect. It can be helpful for spotting patterns or saving time, but it still needs human judgment to be fair and accurate.

Whether it’s helping choose job candidates or guiding courtroom decisions, AI should support—not replace—human choices. Being informed helps us ask the right questions and make sure these tools are used wisely.Curious to learn more? Explore our beginner’s guides on how AI affects daily life or how to spot bias in tech tools. Knowledge is power—and you don’t need to be a tech expert to use it.

Categories AI

The First 14 Things I Do on a New iPhone

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Hey there, if you’re diving into the world of Apple devices for the first time or making the switch from Android, or even if you’ve been an iOS user for ages, here’s what I usually do when setting up a new iPhone. First things first, once you’ve logged in and set up your Apple ID, think about backing up your device.

While you can use your computer for this, iCloud backup is the way to go for convenience. Then, if you’re transferring data from an old iPhone, you have a few options: direct transfer, iCloud backup, or starting fresh. Each has its pros and cons, so choose what works best for you. Oh, and don’t forget to put your new phone in a protective case!

As you explore settings, remember to customize control center for quick access to essential features. And while you’re at it, fine-tune notifications, privacy settings, and keyboard preferences to suit your needs. A few extra tips: use AirDrop for seamless file sharing, consider text replacement for efficiency, and explore accessibility features for added convenience. Finally, check out my playlist of tips and tricks for more in-depth guidance on getting the most out of your iPhone setup. Happy exploring!

Summary:
– Set up Apple ID and iCloud backup immediately after logging in.
– Choose between direct transfer, iCloud backup, or starting fresh when transferring data from an old iPhone.
Customize control center for quick access to essential features.
– Fine-tune notifications, privacy settings, and keyboard preferences to suit your needs.
– Explore additional features like AirDrop, text replacement, and accessibility settings for added convenience.