AI tools are quickly becoming a normal part of everyday life. A 2025 Pew Research survey revealed that one in three U.S. adults has used ChatGPT, including 58% of those under 30. However, experts caution that using these tools responsibly is essential to enjoy their benefits without facing unintended risks.
Specialists recommend treating AI as a “thought partner” rather than a replacement for your own thinking. Timothy B. Lee, founder of the Understanding AI newsletter, advises using AI to generate ideas and simplify complex tasks into manageable steps. Meanwhile, AI educator Catherine Goetze suggests using AI to overcome creative blocks—but stresses that it should never be your only source of thinking or decision-making.
For more complex tasks, AI can be useful for summarising research and gathering sources—but it’s important to verify the accuracy of that information. Tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Perplexity can help with this, while NotebookLM by Google allows users to organise personal research and notes without relying on unverified internet sources.
AI can also support people in exploring hobbies, learning new skills, and managing everyday tasks. Ella Hafermalz, an associate professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, explains that while AI lowers the barrier to trying new activities, it should only serve as a starting point.
Experts stress the importance of not blindly trusting AI outputs. Catherine Goetze recommends checking sources, dates, and links carefully, while Hafermalz emphasises setting clear goals and using AI as a support tool alongside real-world judgment and decision-making.
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