AI myths and fears, answered calmly
It is normal to feel uneasy about AI. Some worries are bigger than they need to be, and a few are worth taking seriously. Here is what is true, in plain words, so you or your parent can use it with confidence.
What you need
- About 8 minutes
- Your phone, if you want to change a privacy setting as you read
Will this work on my phone?
Most phones from the last few years will work. The app store checks your phone's software number (called iOS on iPhone, Android on Android phones), not how old the phone looks.
Works on:
- ChatGPT: iPhone with iOS 18 or newer (iPhone XS, XR, SE 2nd generation or newer). On Android, open ChatGPT in the Google Play store. If it says it works on your phone, you are set.
- Claude: iPhone with iOS 18 or newer (iPhone XS, XR, SE 2nd generation or newer). Android 8 or newer.
- Gemini: iPhone with iOS 18.2 or newer (iPhone XS, XR, SE 2nd generation or newer). Android 10 or newer, with at least 2 GB of memory.
How to check your phone
On an iPhone
- Open Settings (the gray gear).
- Tap General, then tap About.
- Look at iOS Version. That number is what the app checks.
On an Android phone
- Open Settings (the gear).
- Scroll down and tap About phone.
- Look at Android version. On some phones you may need to tap one more item, like Software information, to see it.
Tip: if your number is too low, look for Software Update in Settings. A free update may fix it.
If your phone is too old
That's okay. You or your parent still have good choices:
- Use the website instead. Open the web browser on a computer or tablet and go to chatgpt.com or claude.ai or gemini.google.com. It works the same way, no download needed.
- Ask the family. A newer phone, or a hand-me-down from a grandchild, often works great. Ask before buying anything new.
- Get help from us. Book a friendly 1:1 session and we will sort it out together.
Step by step
"I'll break something."
Asking a question cannot break your phone or computer. If you do not like an answer, ask again in different words, or start a new chat.
"It knows everything."
It does not. OpenAI says ChatGPT can give wrong facts, make up quotes or sources, and sound sure while being wrong. People call this a "hallucination." Check anything important with a trusted source.
"It's a person reading my messages."
You are talking to a computer program, not a person. But your chats can be saved, and some companies say a small number of chats may be read by trained reviewers. Google says this about Gemini.
"My chats are private."
Not always. Your chats may be used to improve the AI unless you turn that off. In ChatGPT: Settings, then Data Controls, then turn off Improve the model for everyone. In Claude: Settings, then Privacy, then turn off Help improve our AI models. In Gemini: turn off Keep Activity.
Never type these
Passwords, your Social Security number, Medicare or insurance numbers, and bank or card numbers. The AI never needs them to help you.
"Every call or video is real."
Scammers can use AI to copy a loved one's voice or face. The FBI suggests a secret family word or phrase. See our voice-clone scam guide.
Good to know
- Even with Gemini's Keep Activity off, Google says chats are kept for up to 72 hours.
- Turning off training stops new chats being used. It does not undo chats already used.
- When in doubt, ask a family member before acting on an AI answer.