Ask AI for help, and keep your private stuff out

Step 1 of 6

Before we start

Let's get your AI open first.

An AI helper is a free tool that answers what you type, in plain words. The most popular one is called ChatGPT.

Open it now. On a computer, type chatgpt.com into your browser and press Enter. On a phone, tap the ChatGPT app if you have it.

It may ask you to sign in or pick a plan. That is normal. Choose the free one. You will not be charged a penny.

You cannot break anything here. There is no wrong button to press.

Buddy says

Got it open? Wonderful. Today we keep your private stuff safe while ChatGPT still helps you.

The first move

Decide what to leave out first.

ChatGPT helps with words and steps. It does not need your private facts to do that.

So before you type, sort your details into two simple piles:

Safe to sharejust the kind of task, like a company letter about a date

Keep privatenames, numbers, addresses, passwords, account or health facts

Here is one easy rule that does the sorting for you. Ask yourself: could this name me, cost me money, or open an account? If yes, leave it out.

And skip the big stuff here. For money, health, legal, safety, or account problems, ask a real person you trust.

Buddy says

When in doubt, leave it out. A general word keeps you safe and still gets you good help.

See it work

Watch a safe, general ask get real help.

A quick, vague try

Here is my library notice. My card is 4471 and the late fee is $6. What do I do?

Add the who, what & how

A clear request

Use this made-up example: I got a library notice that says an item is late. Help me write three safe questions to ask the library. Do not include names, card numbers, addresses, or fees.

What the AI sends back

Here are three safe questions you can ask. 1) Which item is listed as late? 2) What date does the notice show? 3) How can I return or renew it? You can ask these on a phone call or during a visit.

The first message hands over private facts: a card number and a fee. The second uses a made-up example and asks for safe questions instead. It gives away nothing private, and it still gets a useful answer.

Warm up

Which message keeps your private stuff out?

You've seen how it works, tap the one that asks for help without handing over private details.

You did it

You asked for help and kept your private stuff safe.

Sort first. Share only the kind of task. Keep names, numbers, and passwords private.
Ask in general words, or use a made-up example. If AI asks for private facts, just say no.
For money, health, legal, safety, or account choices, ask a real person. Do not decide from the chat alone.

Buddy says

Safe and useful at the same time, and you did it yourself. I'm proud of you!