Why This Matters
Now that you know what AI really is, let’s look at the tool everyone’s talking about: ChatGPT.
You’ve probably heard the name, maybe even seen others using it, but it can feel overwhelming.
This module is designed to make ChatGPT safe, simple, and useful for you.
By the end, you’ll:
- Understand what ChatGPT can (and can’t) do.
- Try a safe first interaction.
- Walk away confident enough to use it for everyday tasks.
ChatGPT Overview
ChatGPT is a chat assistant. You type a question or request, and it gives you a response in plain English.
Think of it like:
- A supercharged Google search (but conversational).
- A helpful secretary who can draft or summarize.
- A study buddy who explains things simply.
But — it’s not perfect. Sometimes it makes mistakes or “sounds confident but wrong.” That’s why you stay in control.
Safe First Steps
Here are three safe ways to try ChatGPT that show its value immediately (no risk, no private info needed):
- Summarize something simple
- Write something basic
- Explain something clearly
Copy a news article (or paste a paragraph) and ask:“Summarize this in 3 simple sentences.”
Ask: “Write a polite thank-you note for a birthday gift.”
Ask: “Explain Wi-Fi to me as if I were 10 years old.”
Pro Tip: Always start with low-stakes tasks. Don’t enter passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial info.
What You Control (And Why That’s Powerful)
The biggest myth about AI is that it “takes over” — but with ChatGPT, you’re in charge. It won’t run anything unless you ask it to. That’s what makes it powerful and safe.
Here’s what you fully control:
- ☐ What you ask
- ☐ What you use
- ☐ When to stop
- ☐ How to apply it
→ You choose what to share — and what to keep private.
→ You decide which responses help and which to ignore.
→ You can leave the chat, delete history, or clear any prompt anytime.
→ Whether it’s helping with emails, summaries, or curiosity — you choose the use case.
Nothing happens automatically. You’re always in the driver’s seat.
🧠 Common Misunderstandings - Clarified
Myth | Reality |
“ChatGPT is watching me” | ❌ It only sees what you type into the chat — nothing else. |
“It knows everything” | ❌ It doesn’t know facts. It predicts text based on patterns. |
“It can make decisions for me” | ❌ It gives suggestions. You decide what to do. |
“It’s risky to even try” | ❌ Not if you follow safety rules — like keeping personal info out. |
What ChatGPT Can’t Do
- It doesn’t know what’s true vs. false (it just predicts words).
- It can’t guarantee perfect answers.
- It doesn’t “remember” your private info unless you type it in (so don’t).
This means you can safely explore as long as you treat it like a helpful draft, not a final authority.
🎥 Watch This Demo (~5 Minutes)
See how easy it is to start using ChatGPT:
⚠️ Important Safety Reminder
When you try ChatGPT, always make sure you’re on the official website: https://chat.openai.com.
- Do not click on links from emails, ads, or pop-ups claiming to be “ChatGPT.”
🛡️ Safety Reminder
Before you move on, lock in this rule of thumb:
“If you wouldn’t say it out loud to a stranger on the street, don’t type it into ChatGPT.”
This one rule will keep you safe 95% of the time.
Try It Yourself (Mini-Exercise)
Open ChatGPT (or follow along in our safe demo).
- Pick one of the 3 starter prompts above.
- Watch how it responds.
- Notice how much time it saves.
👉 Optional: Write your first ChatGPT response in your notes below. The act of trying it once doubles your confidence.
Optional Download
A step-by-step printable guide with screenshots and common questions
Coming Up Next:
Learn how to recognize fake AI tools, misleading claims, and AI-generated fraud so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. We’ll show real examples and give you a simple checklist to stay safe.
Disclaimer: The information in this lesson is provided for educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Results may vary depending on individual use. While we update content regularly, AI tools and risks can change over time. Always use your own judgment and consult a qualified professional if you need specific advice.