What an AI chatbot actually is (and isn't)
An AI chatbot is a program you talk to by typing. You write a request in normal language, and it writes a reply. ChatGPT, Claude and Grok are three popular ones.
What it is good at
- Drafting: emails, letters, social posts, product descriptions.
- Explaining: "explain this bill like I'm new to it".
- Reshaping: summarising a long document, turning notes into a list, changing tone.
- Brainstorming: ten name ideas, five ways to plan a week.
What it is not
It is not a search engine and not an expert. It predicts likely-sounding text, so it can state wrong facts with total confidence. Treat it as a fast, well-read assistant whose work you always check.
Three rules before you start
- Don't paste passwords, ID numbers, bank details or other people's private information.
- Check facts, numbers and names before you rely on them.
- You are responsible for what you send or publish, even if AI drafted it.