Talk to a Bot? You Might Be Surprised!

You’ve heard about it, maybe even tried it... but what is ChatGPT, and how do you actually use it to help, not confuse?

Author

Russ Munisteri, CISSP
May 30, 2025

The Rundown…

Let’s face it — technology can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like it’s moving faster than we are. But ChatGPT isn’t another passing tech fad or something only "the younger generation" can figure out. It’s a practical tool anyone can use, especially if you want information, ideas, or even entertainment at your fingertips.

ChatGPT is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) known as a “language model.” That just means it was trained to understand and generate human language. When you type something in, whether it’s a question, idea, or task, it replies in a way that feels natural and (usually) helpful.

In simple terms, it’s like having a smart assistant that never sleeps and doesn’t need coffee!

Over 100 million people started using ChatGPT within its first two months.

What is ChatGPT, Really?

It’s an AI (Artificial Intelligence) chatbot that understands your questions and responds with helpful answers in plain language.

And you don’t have to know exactly what to say. You can type how you talk.

For example:

“Can you help me understand what phishing emails look like?”

Or

“What’s a good way to explain cybersecurity to my grandkids?”

  • A smarter version of a search engine that gives you answers, not just links.

  • A friendly helper who explains things in everyday language.

  • A personal assistant that writes, summarizes, brainstorms, and teaches — on demand.

What Can You Use It For?

  • Many people 55 and older are discovering that ChatGPT can:

  • Help simplify complex topics like taxes, healthcare, or tech jargon

  • Generate emails, letters, or documents without staring at a blank page

  • Provide inspiration for hobbies, writing, or creative projects

  • Explain how to use your phone, tablet, or apps in clear steps

  • Summarize news stories or articles so you don’t have to read the whole thing

  • Write resumes, cover letters, or responses for online reviews

  • Even settle debates: “Is it OK to refrigerate tomatoes?” (It depends.)

The real magic is how personalized it can be. You can say:

  • “Talk to me like I’m 70 years old and new to this.”

  • “Explain this like I’m teaching a class of kids.”

  • “Use short sentences and give examples.”

You’re in control of the conversation. And once you get used to how it works, you may wonder how you ever got by without it.

Getting Started with ChatGPT

  1. Go to chat.openai.com

  2. Sign up with your email (you can use your Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

  3. Start typing your question — anything!

    • “What are some easy one-pan dinner ideas?”

    • “How do I reset my iPhone?”

    • “Write me a short story about a retired detective in Florida”

Pro Tips for First-Time Users: 

  • Start simple: Ask questions like you’re texting a friend

  • You can correct or re-ask things —> ChatGPT won’t be offended

  • Try fun things too, like jokes, poems, or bucket list ideas

Real-Life Stuff

Linda, 67, runs a small Etsy shop and was feeling stuck on how to respond to a tricky customer review. Instead of stressing for an hour, she typed this into ChatGPT:

  • “Can you help me write a kind and professional reply to a customer who’s upset their order was late?”

ChatGPT responded with a thoughtful, calming message and within minutes, Linda felt empowered and in control.

Here’s the real magic: You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You just ask it like you're texting a friend:

  • “Can you explain Medicare Part D in simple terms?”

  • “Write a poem about a dog named Rusty”

  • “Give me a list of cybersecurity tips for someone over 60”

ChatGPT doesn’t judge, roll its eyes, or make you feel dumb. It’s just here to help and it gets better the more you use it.

Final Thoughts…

You don’t need to master AI, you just need to be curious enough to try. ChatGPT is one of the friendliest on-ramps into the world of AI, and it’s designed to help you do more, not make you feel less.

See you next time — same time, same inbox. Stay sharp,
~ Russ