You can’t open a news site, turn on the radio, or walk down the street without hearing about AI (artificial intelligence) right now. I admit it has heavily intrigued me with it for the last few months after not doing much *knowingly* with it when Chat GPT was released to the public in November 2022.
I’ll say I’ve been stunned with what it can do from something as simple as breaking down a task or telling me about the similarities of ADHD and Asteroids (this generated some amusing copy…my first chatGPT prompt…see here). I’ve used it to help generate outlines and starting points for professional presentation submissions. I’ve generated first drafts of blog posts and newsletter content. I’ve asked it to analyze some journal writing and asked it to analyze a conversation to see what stylistic elements were there and offer suggestions of how to proceed. I often ask for 3 paragraphs in German written at the level of a 3rd grader (my comfortable comprehension level, currently)
Most of us have been quietly using versions of AI for years whether or not we’ve known it.
The first AI service is often attributed to IBM’s Deep Blue, which was a chess-playing computer program developed in the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, AI services have evolved significantly. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using the rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction. AI can be broadly classified into two types: narrow AI, which is designed to perform a narrow task (e.g., facial recognition or internet searches), and general AI, which can perform any intellectual task that a human being can do.
AI is increasingly being integrated into various aspects of our daily lives, often behind the scenes, in ways that people may not realize. People use AI in many common places:
- Virtual Assistants: Virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa use AI to understand and respond to user queries, perform tasks, and provide personalized recommendations.
- Email Filters and Spam Detection
- Social Media Algorithms: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter use AI algorithms to curate personalized content feeds,
- Online Customer Support
- Fraud Detection: Financial institutions and credit card companies use AI algorithms to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions by analyzing patterns, identifying anomalies, and flagging suspicious activities.
- Traffic Optimization: AI is used in traffic management systems to analyze real-time data from sensors, cameras, and GPS to optimize traffic signals, predict congestion, and suggest alternate routes.
- Medical Diagnosis and Imaging: AI is utilized in medical imaging systems to assist in the detection of diseases like cancer, identify abnormalities, and provide diagnostic recommendations based on the analysis of medical images.
- Language Translation: Online translation services like Google Translate use AI algorithms.
What are ways people with ADHD can use AI?
AI can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with ADHD. Here are a few ways they can use AI:
- Time management: AI can assist with setting reminders for appointments, deadlines, or taking medication.
- Focus assistance: Some AI apps can monitor user activity and provide alerts when it appears they’re becoming distracted.
- Task management: AI can help manage tasks, break them into smaller, more manageable parts, and track progress.
- Learning and cognition: AI can provide adaptive learning environments that adjust to an individual’s needs.
- Emotional support: AI chatbots can provide round-the-clock emotional support and help manage stress and anxiety.
How do I use it?
I use a lot of these in my life and business. They aren’t going away, but I also want to learn to use them to *ENHANCE* what I do-from scheduling to writing and supporting my executive function, these are a fundamental change. I am not yet concerned that coaching will be entirely replaced by AI, but it will change how this profession is affected. AI can throw out insightful answers, but humans still need to take time to process and learn the information and how it applies to them in their lives. And as a verbal processor, it is useful to have a conversation with it and get some feedback and reflection without making my friends and family listen to the same scenario for the 5th time. And I also need their input!
Do you have any recommendations on the best way to give commands to the AI so you can get what you want/need out of it?
The best way to give commands to an AI system largely depends on the specific system you’re using. However, some general tips include:
- Be clear and specific: AI systems work best when given precise instructions.
- Understand the AI’s limitations: Not every AI system can perform every task. Knowing what your AI can and can’t do will help you give better commands.
- Use the correct terminology: Some AI systems might require specific keywords or phrases to perform certain tasks.
- Practice: The more you interact with an AI, the better you’ll get at giving commands.
Is there a subset of people who will work with AI really well?
AI can be beneficial to a wide range of people. However, it might be especially useful for individuals who are comfortable with technology, those with cognitive or physical disabilities, people with busy schedules, and those who perform repetitive tasks that AI can automate.
Is there a way to vet how good an AI product or service is?
When evaluating AI tools, look at user reviews and ratings, the reputation of the company, and whether the tool has been validated in real-world settings. Also, consider whether the tool addresses your specific needs and challenges. Many tools offer free trials or demo versions, so you can test them out before committing.
Are there any warnings people need to know about using AI?
While AI offers many benefits, it’s important to remember:
- Privacy Concerns: AI tools often collect and analyze personal data. Be sure to understand a tool’s privacy policy before using it.
- Potential for Over-reliance: AI should be used as an aid, not a replacement for human effort and judgment. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced approach.
- Accuracy: While AI is often helpful, it isn’t infallible. Misinterpretations can happen, so it’s always a good idea to double-check critical information.
Resources for you:
OpenAI/Chat GPT: An AI driven chatbot that will respond to prompts given by the user. Many are using ChatGPT to auto-generate written content.
Goblin to-do – Use the Magic ToDo to break down to-do list into specific tasks. You can also use this link for a tone detector (The Judge), time estimator, and more!
Sudo writes – another AI chatbot that helps writers change tone, work through writer’s block and more.
AI Schedulers Any.do is a simple to do list app to manage your tasks, projects, and team’s work.
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