Artificial intelligence seems like a sudden phenomenon to many people. Just a few years ago, it hardly played a role in everyday life, but today it is constantly present - in the news, in discussions, in conversations at work. However, this impression is deceptive. AI did not emerge overnight. It has been researched, developed and used in specialist areas for decades. What is new is not the idea, but the approach.
Artificial intelligence has been around as a research idea for decades. For a long time, it was a topic for universities, large corporations and special applications. The big difference today is that many AI systems have matured to the point where they can be used by normal people in everyday life - via a simple input window, on a computer or smartphone.
What is artificial intelligence?
The decisive change is that AI is no longer just used by experts, but by ordinary people. No prior technical knowledge, no programming language, no training is required. Instead, something that everyone knows is enough: language. You write a question, a task or a thought - and get an answer. This new simplicity is the real reason why AI is attracting so much attention right now.
There is also a social factor. Many people experience their everyday lives as increasingly complex. Information is everywhere, decisions have to be made more quickly, contexts are becoming more confusing. AI hits a nerve here because it can help to create order: Summarizing texts, explaining facts, structuring thoughts. Not as a substitute for your own thinking, but as a tool that helps you regain an overview.
What artificial intelligence is not
In order to use AI sensibly, it is almost more important to understand what it is not than to focus on spectacular images of the future. AI is not a being, not a counterpart with its own intention. It has no opinion, no consciousness and no inner goal. Even if answers sometimes sound surprisingly „human“, there is no understanding behind them in the human sense, but rather a technical processing of language and data.
AI does not think, does not feel and does not make judgments based on its own convictions. It recognizes patterns, probabilities and correlations based on large amounts of data and translates these into language. This can be very helpful - but it also means that AI can make mistakes, misclassify things or simplify correlations. Anyone using AI is therefore always responsible for checking and classifying the results.
Another important point: AI is no substitute for responsibility. It can make suggestions, formulate texts or point out alternatives, but it has no consequences. Decisions in real life - professional, private, social - always remain human decisions. Those who accept this use AI confidently. Those who forget it become dependent on a tool that is not designed for this.
A simple working definition
You don't need a complicated definition to get started. On the contrary: too much theory tends to put people off. A clear, pragmatic view is sufficient for everyday use. Artificial intelligence is a tool that reacts to text input and generates suitable answers, suggestions or structures. That's all you need to know at the beginning.
A helpful comparison is with a pocket calculator or word processor. Nobody needs to understand how a calculator calculates internally in order to use it sensibly. What matters is what it can do and where its limits lie. The situation is similar with AI. It works with language, not with screws or numbers, but it remains a tool that can be used in a targeted manner.
It makes particular sense to view AI as a kind of sparring partner. It provides drafts, ideas, explanations or summaries. Humans decide what is useful, what needs to be adapted and what should be discarded. The strength of the collaboration lies in this division of roles: AI takes over the quick sorting and formulation, while humans retain an overview, judgment and responsibility.
How to work with AI in practice
Getting started with AI is surprisingly unspectacular. There is no complex program to learn, no convoluted menus, no technical settings to understand. In most cases, when you open an AI service, you simply see an empty input field. This field is the central point of contact between man and machine.
In this input window, you write what you might otherwise explain or ask a person. A task, a request, a question or a thought. The AI responds with an answer in text form. Essentially, that's all that happens. It is precisely this simplicity that makes it so easy to get started. Anyone who can write an email can also work with AI.
Many beginners expect a „correct“ start command or a special formulation at this point. This is not necessary. You can write in normal language. Imperfect sentences, colloquial language or half-finished thoughts are no problem. The AI is designed to work with unclear input and turn it into something useful.
Read answers, question them, take them further
When the AI answers, you should be aware that this is not a final result, but a suggestion. The answer is a draft, a basis, a working status. It may be incomplete, it may contain errors, it may be adapted. Adopting this attitude from the outset avoids disappointment and false expectations.
A sensible approach is to read the answer calmly and ask yourself: Does this suit me? Is something missing? Is something misleading or too general? This is where the actual dialog begins. You can ask questions, clarify, correct or change the task. The AI reacts to this feedback and adapts its answers accordingly.
This back and forth is not a sign of incompetence, but the essence of collaboration. AI does not develop its strength in the perfect first hit, but in the joint further development of an idea. Those who learn to read answers critically and take them further in a targeted manner use the tool in a mature and productive way.
Why „asking the right questions“ is more important than technology
Many discussions about AI revolve around so-called „prompts“, i.e. the art of asking the right questions. For beginners, it is important not to exaggerate this. It's not about magic formulas or secret commands. It's about clarity. The more clearly a task is described, the more useful the answer will be.
A good way to start is to briefly tell the AI what you want and why. For example: „Explain this topic to me so that I can explain it to a customer.“ Or: „Write me a factual text without technical terms.“ Such hints help the AI to find the right tone and the right depth.
Over time, you develop a feeling for how to formulate tasks. This is not a technical learning process, but a linguistic one. You quickly realize that small additions can make a big difference. And this is precisely one of the underestimated effects of AI: you learn to formulate your own thoughts more clearly because you have to explain them to someone - or something.
AI as a dialog, not as a one-off query
A common beginner's mistake is to use AI like a search engine: Question in, answer out, done. This can work, but it hardly exploits its potential. AI is stronger when you use it as a dialog partner. You stay in conversation, develop ideas further, correct and refine them.
This dialogical approach makes AI fundamentally different from traditional tools. You are not working against a rigid system, but with a flexible counterpart that adapts. This can be very relieving, especially for people who have to think, plan or explain a lot. Thoughts do not have to be ready to be expressed.
Anyone who has understood this point quickly realizes: AI is not a substitute for your own thinking, but an amplifier. It does not force you to make quick decisions, but allows you to develop your thoughts in peace. And that is precisely what makes it so valuable in everyday life - especially for people who come from a practical rather than a technical background.
In-depth: A compact introduction for anyone who wants more
Anyone who realizes after reading this article that they would like to delve deeper will find the following video a suitable supplement. The two-hour introductory course takes you through the basics of artificial intelligence in a structured and understandable way - without assuming any prior knowledge.
In clearly structured steps, it explains how AI works, how to learn it sensibly and how it can be used practically in everyday life or in a professional environment. The focus is not on buzzwords or promises for the future, but on comprehensible application and orientation. For anyone who doesn't just want to try out AI, but really wants to understand it, this video offers a calm, practical in-depth look at further reading and thinking.
Learn EVERYTHING about AI in 120min - From beginner to pro in 6 steps | Everlast AI
AI in everyday life - very practical examples
If you want to understand the practical benefits of AI, a simple thought helps: it's a bit like having an employee in your pocket for many small tasks. Not for everything, not for decisions, but for precisely those things that would otherwise take time or be left undone. An employee who is always available, never gets tired and is never in a bad mood.
Of course, this „employee“ is not human. It has no experience in the true sense of the word and no intuition. But it can very quickly draft texts, sort thoughts, suggest alternatives or explain things. AI can provide relief in precisely those areas where people would otherwise hesitate, put things off or struggle through on their own.
Many people only realize in everyday life how often they could actually use support. Not for big projects, but for small, recurring tasks. AI is particularly well suited to precisely these inconspicuous tasks, which together take up a lot of time and energy.
Writing, revising and simplifying texts
One very obvious area of application is writing. Many people have to write texts, even though they don't see themselves as „writers“. E-mails, inquiries, explanations, short reports or even longer texts. AI can help here to create an initial draft or improve existing texts.
This is not about replacing your own voice. On the contrary. AI provides raw material that can be adapted. Texts can be made shorter, more factual, friendlier or easier to understand. Anyone who communicates frequently in writing quickly realizes how relieving it is not to have to start from scratch with every text.
Simplifying language is also a great advantage. Technical or complicated texts can be put into an understandable form without losing the content. This is particularly helpful when you need to explain something that you understand but find difficult to put into simple words.
Have things explained - without inhibitions
Another practical benefit lies in letting people explain themselves. Many people have questions that they don't necessarily want to ask in public. For fear of appearing ignorant or asking „stupid“ questions. AI does not have this inhibition threshold. You can ask questions at any time, even several times, even very basic ones.
You can have terms explained to you, have connections broken down or be introduced to a new topic step by step. And if something remains unclear, you simply keep asking. This type of learning is calm, pressure-free and individual. You determine the pace and depth yourself. This is a great advantage, especially for newcomers to new topics. AI adapts without judging. It can explain things several times, formulate them differently or provide examples. This makes it a very accessible learning tool in everyday life.
Sorting thoughts and preparing decisions
Not everything in everyday life is about writing or learning. It is often about organizing thoughts. Decisions have to be made, ideas lie disorganized in the head, arguments are not yet clear. AI can serve as a sparring partner here to bring structure.
You can describe your thoughts to the AI unfiltered and ask it to organize them, summarize them or divide them into different perspectives. This does not replace a decision, but it helps you to see your own position more clearly. This can be very helpful, especially with complex issues or emotionally charged questions.
The attitude is also important here: AI does not make decisions. It helps with thinking. If you internalize this, you use it as support, not as an authority. This is precisely where the actual everyday effect lies: you don't become more dependent, but clearer.
How and where you can use AI
For most beginners, the Internet browser (e.g. Chrome, Safari, Firefox) is the best place to start. You open a website, log in and can get started straight away. No installation, no downloading, no complicated setup. This is important because many people fail at the first hurdle when it comes to technical topics: „Which version do I need? Where do I installiere that? What am I doing wrong?“ This problem does not exist in the browser. It basically works like online banking or a normal website.
This has a second advantage: the browser is available on almost every device. Whether Windows, Mac or Linux - the operation is very similar. You work in a window, type in an input field, get answers and can copy, save or reuse them. This is completely sufficient for many tasks and, especially at the beginning, „just use it“ is better than „have to understand it first“.
So if you're starting out with AI, you shouldn't complicate things unnecessarily. The browser is the classic, tried-and-tested entry point: low-threshold, stable, and you can concentrate on the essentials - namely working with the content, not the technology.
AI as an app on your smartphone - everyday life begins on the move
Once you try out AI on your smartphone, you realize that it's not just a tool for your desk. It will be a companion for everyday life. Because many situations in which you could use help don't happen at your computer. You have an idea on the go, need to formulate something quickly, want to understand a term or want to capture a thought before it's gone again.
The smartphone app makes it easy to do just that. You can type something in quickly or - depending on the app - even dictate it. This is a real step forward for many people because it lowers the barrier even further. If you don't like typing long texts, you can still work very effectively if you simply speak and the AI turns it into a structured text.
This is also practical in everyday life. You can have recipes explained to you, structure a shopping list, roughly sort an itinerary, politely formulate a message to someone or understand a complicated letter. Beginners in particular quickly realize that AI is not something out of the ordinary, but a very normal tool - like a good calculator, only for language and thinking.
One account, multiple devices - switch seamlessly between mobile and computer
One point that many people underestimate at the beginning is the seamless connection between devices. If you have an account with an AI service, you can often use the same history on multiple devices. This means you can start a thought on your cell phone in the morning and continue it on your computer in the evening. You don't have to re-explain everything, retype everything or start from scratch.
This is particularly pleasant for beginners because it provides security. You realize: „I'm not losing anything. I can go back. I can look things up.“ It's almost like having a notebook that's automatically with you wherever you go. And that's exactly what fits in with the idea of AI being an employee in your pocket: you take your work with you instead of tying it to one place.
This continuity also changes the way we deal with tasks. Many things that you would have put off in the past because you are „not at the computer“ can now be prepared on the go. You collect key points, get a structure, formulate a first version - and when you have time and peace and quiet later, it becomes a finished result.
Current survey on digitalization in everyday life
Well-known AI services - an initial overview
When working with AI for the first time, it makes sense to start with a service that covers as many typical everyday tasks as possible: writing, rephrasing, explaining, structuring, summarizing, brainstorming. This is precisely why ChatGPT is a good starting point for many beginners. The interface is designed for dialog, you can start writing as normal, ask questions and work your way up step by step. Above all, it is a universal tool: from short text drafts to detailed explanations, it can be used for an astonishing amount of things without having to know „how AI works“ beforehand.
A second well-known all-rounder is Claude from Anthropic. Here, too, the work is dialog-based, with a focus on text, structure and comprehensible elaboration. Many users particularly appreciate Claude when it comes to longer texts - in other words, when you don't just need a paragraph, but a clean draft with a common thread, a calm tone and a comprehensible structure. Essentially, it's the same principle as ChatGPT: input in, queries possible, draft out - just with a slightly different „handwriting“ in the wording.
And then there's Gemini from Google, another AI assistant that is designed to help with everyday tasks such as writing, planning and collecting ideas. Anyone who spends a lot of time in the Google world anyway will come across Gemini relatively quickly because Google integrates the assistant into various of its own services. This can be practical for beginners because you don't feel like you're learning something completely new, but rather using an extension of what you already use.
AI as a search and research aid - when sources and timeliness become important
In addition to the classic „chat assistants“, there are services that function more like a modern search engine. One prominent example is Perplexity. The basic idea is simple: you ask a question, Perplexity searches the web, summarizes it and usually also provides references so that you can look up where certain statements come from. This can be very helpful, especially for research or for topics where topicality plays a role, because you can get an overview more quickly - and at the same time have a trail to follow.
This is a good addition for beginners, but often not the best first step. Not because it's complicated, but because it's easy to get drawn into „research mode“. But if you're just starting out, you usually need to get a feel for how AI works in dialog first: Drafts, explanations, thinking in dialog. Research can then be added later - as a second tool in the box.
AI in the Microsoft environment - practical if you work there anyway
Many people work with Word, Excel, Outlook or Teams on a daily basis. This is exactly where Microsoft Copilot comes in: as an assistant that helps with formulating, summarizing and organizing and is partly directly embedded in the Microsoft world. This is attractive for newcomers if they are already heavily involved in the Microsoft ecosystem and would prefer to use „AI“ where the work happens anyway.
Nevertheless, the down-to-earth advice also applies here: if you are really starting from scratch, it is often better to get to know a general, freely usable tool first before entering a fixed ecosystem. First understand the basic principle, then use the special integration. That way, you have control later - and don't feel like you have to commit to a platform just because it seems the most convenient at the time.
Why I would recommend ChatGPT for the start
If you only want to make one decision at the beginning, then it should do one thing above all: lower the hurdle, increase the benefit. This is exactly why I would recommend ChatGPT for beginners. In practice, it is the most universal starting point for most beginners because it teaches you the typical basics: How do I formulate tasks? How do I ask questions? How do I turn a mediocre answer into a useful draft? And above all: you don't learn „ChatGPT“, you learn the principle, which is similar for all services.
Once you have internalized this principle, it is completely unproblematic to try out Claude, Perplexity, Gemini or Copilot later on. Then it's no longer a change of mindset, just a change of tool. And that's exactly how you should see it: not as an ideological decision, but as a pragmatic toolbox.
Known AI services at a glance
| Service | Properties / Strengths | Costs / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT (OpenAI) | General AI assistant for texts, ideas, explanations; dialog and creative functions. | Free basic version available; Plus approx. ~€22/month; Pro up to ~€185/month for power users. |
| Claude (Anthropic) | Text AI with a focus on coherent language, longer texts and confident answers. | Free use possible; Pro approx. ~€18/month; Team/Max plans more expensive. |
| Gemini (Google AI) | All-round AI with integration into the Google ecosystem; good for research & multimedia. | Free use possible; Gemini Pro approx. ~€19.99/month; Ultra plans |
| Perplexity AI | Combines AI answers with web research and source references; good for fact/research. | Free basic version; Pro approx. ~$20/month; Max up to ~$200/month. |
| Microsoft Copilot | Assistant embedded in Microsoft 365 apps; strong in Office integration. | Free basis possible; Premium/Business plans approx. ~$20-$30/month. |
| Grok (xAI / X) | AI assistant with a focus on logical responses and real-time dialog. | Free Basic; Premium (X Premium+) ~€38/month; SuperGrok / Heavy plans more expensive. |
| Chatsonic | AI chatbot with support for documents, images, multiple models. | Free + paid plans (variable). |
| Neuroflash / ChatFlash | German-language AI assistance, often GDPR-compliant alternative. | Varies by provider; mostly free + paid packages. |
| Pi (Inflection) | Light AI assistant for conversations and simple tasks. | Free use available. |
| OpenAI Playground | Experimental interface for AI models; flexible with model selection. | Basic often free of charge; some subject to a charge depending on use. |
| Mindverse | German AI platform with text generation and enterprise functions. | Category-dependent, mostly fee-based packages. |
| Atomesus AI | AI tool with free and affordable plans, aims for broad accessibility. | Free plan + favorable subscriptions according to announcements. |
A sensible start - step by step
The most common mistake when getting started with new technologies is not a lack of ability, but too high expectations. Many people expect something spectacular or perfect from AI on first contact. This is precisely the wrong standard. A sensible introduction starts small and unspectacular. With a simple question. A short task. An everyday situation.
It's not about immediately becoming more productive, creative or efficient. It's about developing a feeling for the tool. To understand how it reacts, how it formulates, where it is helpful and where it is not. If you approach this introduction calmly, you will make faster progress than someone who tries to use everything at once.
A good start is often a task that is due anyway: an email, a draft text, an explanation, a piece of paper. You pass this task on to the AI, read the result and then decide for yourself what is useful. This is exactly how trust is created - not through perfection, but through experience.
Check, classify and adjust results
AI provides suggestions, not truths. This attitude is central to a healthy approach. Especially at the beginning, it is important not to simply accept results, but to read and classify them consciously. Is the tone right? Is the content correct? Is something essential missing? Or is something formulated too generally?
This test is not an additional effort, but part of the learning process. You not only learn how AI works, but also how you think. Many people find that working with AI helps them to formulate more clearly, take a closer look and make more conscious decisions. The tool forces you to take a stand - not by exerting pressure, but by offering options.
Over time, a natural rhythm develops: formulate the task, read the suggestion, readjust, accept or reject the result. This process is calm, controllable and easy to integrate into everyday life. This is precisely why AI is also suitable for people who otherwise have little to do with technology.
Current survey on the use of local AI systems
Develop routines instead of trying everything
The market for AI services is growing rapidly and it is tempting to want to try out everything at once. This is usually counterproductive for beginners. It makes more sense to select a tool and use it regularly over a certain period of time. Not to make a commitment, but to gain security.
Anyone who incorporates AI into small routines - for example for text drafts, collections of thoughts or explanations - quickly realizes where the personal benefits lie. Some use AI primarily for writing, others for learning, others as a thinking partner. There is no „right“ or „wrong“. What matters is that the tool suits your everyday life.
Only when this routine is in place is it worth trying out other services or exploring special functions. Then the comparison makes sense because you know what to look out for. Before that, variety often only leads to confusion.
A brief outlook: Freedom, control and local AI
To get started, it doesn't matter where exactly the AI is running. The important thing is to understand the principle and gain practical experience. However, anyone who delves deeper will sooner or later come up against questions that go beyond the pure benefits: Control over data, independence from platforms, long-term availability.
At this point, the topic local AI come into play. This refers to AI systems that do not run in the cloud, but on your own computer or server. This is technically more demanding and not for beginners, but offers significantly more freedom and control. For advanced users, this can be a logical next step.
This is where this beginner's article deliberately ends. Not because the topic is unimportant, but because every tool should come at the right time. Anyone who is interested can find more in-depth articles and practical experience - and can then decide for themselves how far they want to go. AI is neither a magic spell nor a threat. It is a tool that - if used correctly - can make everyday life easier. Those who start calmly, remain critical and do not relinquish responsibility will benefit from it. Not because AI makes you smarter, but because it creates space: for clarity, for structure and for your own thinking.
And that's exactly why it's not about technology at the beginning, but about attitude.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to be technically gifted to use AI?
No. No prior technical knowledge is required to get started. Modern AI systems are designed in such a way that they can be operated using normal language. Anyone who can write or speak can use AI. Technical understanding can be helpful later on, but is not a prerequisite for achieving meaningful results. - Is AI only for young people or „digital natives“?
Not at all. In fact, people who have a lot of experience but little desire for technical gimmicks often benefit particularly strongly from AI. AI is not a trendy toy, but a tool for relieving stress. Age or technical background do not play a decisive role. - Can I break something with KI or set something incorrectly?
No. AI services for beginners are designed in such a way that nothing can be „adjusted“ or damaged. You enter texts and receive answers. There are no dangerous settings and no irreversible state. In the worst case, you get an unusable answer - and simply try again. - Does the use of AI necessarily cost money?
No. Many AI services offer free entry-level versions that are completely sufficient for initial experience. Paid subscriptions are usually only worthwhile if you use AI regularly and more intensively. Free access is usually perfectly adequate for getting started. - Can I use AI even if I can't write well?
Yes, just then. AI is very tolerant of imperfect input. You can write short, bumpy or incomplete sentences. The AI still tries to understand what is meant and provides suggestions. Many users find that they even formulate better over time because they can see how their thoughts are structured. - Are the AI's answers always correct?
No. AI can make mistakes, simplify things or classify them incorrectly. That's why it's important not to blindly accept results, but to check them - especially when it comes to important or sensitive topics. AI is an aid to thinking, not a substitute for your own judgment. - Can AI replace my work?
In most cases, AI does not replace people, but rather individual activities or work steps. It takes over routine tasks, speeds up preparatory work or helps with structuring. Responsibility, experience and decisions remain human. Those who use AI sensibly supplement their work - they do not disappear. - Do I have to entrust the AI with personal data?
No. Especially at the beginning, it makes sense to work with neutral, general tasks. Personal or confidential information does not belong in public AI services. Those who deal with the topic more intensively later on can focus on data protection and alternatives. - Can I use AI for private purposes only, without a professional background?
Yes, AI is by no means just a tool for companies. Many people use it privately: for learning, planning, writing, explaining or simply for sorting thoughts. The greatest benefits are often seen in everyday life because small tasks become easier. - Do I have to choose a specific AI service?
No. A single service is completely sufficient to get started. The important thing is not the provider, but the basic principle. Once you have understood this, you can easily try out other services later. The operating logic is similar for most systems. - Is AI creative or just a copy machine?
AI generates new texts by recombining familiar patterns. This can have a creative effect, but is no substitute for human creativity. In practice, AI is particularly good as an idea generator or design assistant. The actual creative decision remains with humans. - Can I also use AI on my smartphone?
Yes, many people even prefer to use AI on their smartphone, for example to record ideas, dictate texts or quickly look something up. Its use is not limited to the desktop and can be easily integrated into everyday life. - What do I do if I don't like the AI's answers?
Then you tell the AI - or reformulate the task. You can sharpen up, correct, rephrase or ask for a different tone. AI is capable of dialog. Dissatisfaction is not a failure, but part of the collaboration. - Is it problematic to use AI for texts that I send or publish?
It depends on the context. AI is unproblematic as support for drafts, formulations or structure. The important thing is that you are responsible for checking and adapting the text yourself at the end. AI provides material - the responsibility remains with the sender. - Do I have to be afraid of doing something „wrong“?
No. Getting started in AI is not a test or an exam. There is no right or wrong, only experience. If you stay curious and experiment, you will quickly learn what works and what doesn't. - How quickly do I see a benefit?
Often very quickly. Even the first simple tasks - such as a draft text or an explanation - show whether the tool is helpful. The full benefit usually comes after a few days or weeks, when you start to incorporate AI specifically into routines. - Should I deal with topics such as data protection or local AI right away?
Not mandatory. For beginners, it is more important to understand the basic principle and gain practical experience. Topics such as local AI, data protection or system control are useful if you want to go deeper - but they don't have to be at the beginning. - What is the most important advice for getting started with AI?
Stay calm, curious and critical. Use AI as a tool, not as an authority. Start small, check results and develop your own approach. Then AI will become a real support - and not a source of pressure or confusion.
