By Mike DuBose
In our first two articles, we explored artificial intelligence (AI) and how our family and businesses use this phenomenal resource. You may recognize AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. These computer tools answer questions, explain subjects, and help us write or plan. For this third article, let’s look behind computer screens without getting lost in computer language.
During 2026, I used AI hundreds of times for research and everyday problems, including repairing home appliances. Its speed and range of knowledge fascinate me. I spent an hour interviewing my AI Assistant about how it works. We don’t need to become engineers to understand the basics. But it’s mind-boggling how AI performs, like independently driving my car, connected with satellites hundreds of miles above the Earth.
If you’ve never tried AI, open your smartphone or computer internet browser and type ChatGPT.com. Don’t worry. AI won’t know who you are, and it’s safe to anonymously ask questions. Follow the instructions on the screen, and type questions in the message box, like “Provide ingredients and instructions to bake a pound cake for 13 people.” Watch the magic appear. Then, continue the conversation: “How long will the dessert remain fresh in an airtight container?” You don’t have to create your first question perfectly. It often takes several follow-up queries for good outcomes. The more useful details you provide, the better AI tailors answers. For example, you could begin with “Name the five highest-rated hybrid SUVs.” Then, increase specificity: “Compare the two hybrids, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, for mpg, consumer ratings, comfort, and price.” Once you decide on a model, ask AI: “Name the options for the RAV4 to consider and list three South Carolina dealers which provide the best pricing and promotions.”
I reprogrammed my malfunctioning dishwasher. AI has a + sign where you can upload files or photos. This allowed me to take pictures of the manufacturer’s ID label for AI to read the programming service manual and guide me to make repairs. These actions saved $200 and avoided wasting time scheduling a technician.
ChatGPT, like other models, offers limited, free access, which I used for months in early 2025. Paid plans provide advanced computing power and memory features, but begin by exploring free subscriptions.
What happens with AI after you type your issue and press “Send”? Your question streaks over the Internet to huge one-million-square-foot data center buildings. Computers inside contain powerful, fast chips that store vast amounts of knowledge, perform work, and respond to your computer screen.
But where did AI obtain its knowledge? Developers train it using collections of materials, such as an estimated 8 million books, websites, articles, and computer code. In addition, previous AI models coach the latest models with millions of questions and answers they learned to create the next generation considered “Super Intelligence.” But, even with its superior knowledge, AI can occasionally assemble polished responses that sound convincing while getting the facts wrong.
AI doesn’t necessarily search the Internet each time you ask something. It may rely on information learned during training, which can be outdated when you’re searching for the latest news, prices, travel plans, or other changing information. Thus, five websites repeating the same data generated two weeks before don’t necessarily make it true today. I instruct my AI to search 50+ websites and analysts to deliver the latest information on how my stocks might perform, provide updated news, or offer experts’ latest opinions. Even then, market corrections can suddenly occur with little warning because crude oil prices, inflation, and interest rates increase or major businesses report disappointing profits.
AI is also programmed to respond with human-like conversations, and it has different settings (friendly, professional, etc.). Mine says, “Good morning, Mike. How can we work together today?” It apologizes for mistakes and uses encouraging, cautionary, and other emotional language like acting excited. Those responses can make exchanges feel personal. Remember that you’re communicating with software, not a living person. I view AI as a fantastic tool that provides information and guidance but not making decisions for me. However, developers are training AI to act like humans by making computer typing sounds for your response, having people talking in the background, or using real-life human communications. AI can even tailor its dialogue to mimic your dialect from different parts of the country (AKA Redneck for me.).
I sometimes share my “limited” personal background information or why I am asking questions (e.g., for a friend) so AI can generate more relevant answers. However, I avoid disclosing or allowing AI to access passwords, account numbers, apps and e-mails, or other sensitive financial details. Don’t assume everything you type is confidential.
During conversations, AI uses earlier messages to answer follow-up questions. Some services offer memory features that carry selected information into later conversations, which I find helpful. I give AI instructions for recurring projects, such as updating stock charts, but still check the results. AI maintains a library where you can store important tasks, documents, and ongoing projects. I often ask more questions, request clearer explanations, and challenge answers that don’t seem right. You can guide the conversation until it becomes useful. Remember you’re “in charge” with AI.
AI is a remarkable resource when we bring clear, detailed questions for it to answer. Start with something simple you’re interested in or a need and have fun experimenting with what it can do. Our 4th article will focus on how AI will impact existing jobs and future careers it’s creating. More to come.
Mike is a retired adjunct professor at USC’s graduate school and former business owner. Visit his nonprofit website www.mikedubose.com and register to receive his monthly articles or Daily Thoughts, plus free access to his books, including “The Art of Building Great Businesses.” The website includes 100+ published articles he has written on business, travel, and personal topics, in addition to health research with Surb Guram, MD, Allison Cashman, MD, and David Hurst, DVM.
