We asked experts about the most responsible ways to use AI tools – here’s what they said

Three years after the release of ChatGPT, society finds itself divided into two broad camps: those who refuse to engage with AI tools and those who use them daily. A 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that one-third of U.S. adults have utilized ChatGPT, with 58% of adults under 30 reporting regular use—double the share from two years prior. This emerging divide underscores the importance of having open discussions about the responsible use of AI.

How to Approach AI Tools Responsibly

Experts suggest a step-by-step guide for effectively utilizing AI tools. Here are some key recommendations:

1. Brainstorming Ideas

AI can serve as a valuable brainstorming partner. Timothy B. Lee, author of the Understanding AI newsletter, recommends using AI tools to break down tasks or projects into manageable steps. “Any time you’re trying to come up with ideas, it’s a good starting place,” he notes.

Catherine Goetze, a content creator and AI educator, suggests thinking of AI as a “thought partner.” It can help in bouncing around ideas, overcoming creative blocks, or refining your thinking. However, it’s crucial to maintain your judgment and expertise when reviewing AI-generated results. Goetze emphasizes that the best tasks for AI are those where you already have a clear idea of what the right answer should look like.

2. Researching Projects

For more complex research, AI tools can provide a comprehensive overview of existing literature. Lee compares it to using Wikipedia, acknowledging its fallibility while emphasizing the importance of verifying information. Tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Perplexity offer “deep research” features that summarize relevant documents and even ask clarifying questions to ensure the most pertinent results are gathered.

“It’s really astonishingly good,” Lee states, noting that these tools can help identify key papers, formulate questions, and outline next steps for your project. However, experts agree that after using AI for initial orientation, the actual work must still be done by the user.

3. Learning New Skills or Hobbies

AI can also be a great resource for expanding your horizons. Ella Hafermalz, an associate professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, highlights how AI can assist in learning new skills or hobbies, such as gardening or investing. “For many people, the hurdle in trying a new thing is embarrassment, fear, time, discomfort, not even knowing what you need to know,” she explains.

Using AI as a starting point can help overcome these barriers and set you on the path to new interests. However, as with other uses, it’s essential to treat AI as a tool rather than a definitive guide.

4. Organizing Information

Once you’ve begun your research, AI tools can assist in organizing your findings. This includes identifying themes, answering questions, or generating timelines and summaries. Hafermalz recommends using Google’s NotebookLM for research purposes, as it only draws from uploaded documents and materials, ensuring a more contained and relevant output.

For personal use, AI can function like a domestic helper or executive assistant, aiding in meal planning, budgeting, or task prioritization.

5. Getting Better Results

While crafting prompts was once critical for optimizing AI responses, Lee notes that this is becoming less important over time. Leading AI tools are now more intuitive and can respond to casual language and phrasing. However, providing context remains beneficial. “The more information you give it, the more likely you are to get a good result,” he advises.

Goetze encourages users to approach AI interactions as conversations rather than rigid prompts. “The magic actually comes from the back-and-forth,” she states, highlighting this as a significant advantage of AI over traditional search engines. Users can also share documents or links for the AI to reference, enhancing the relevance of its responses.

6. Overcoming Mental Blocks

If you encounter a mental block, consider using a technique called “reverse-prompting.” Goetze shares her experience of asking ChatGPT to generate questions that could help her move past a creative hurdle. This method can prompt reflection and lead to breakthroughs in your work.

Conclusion

As AI tools become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, understanding how to use them responsibly is crucial. By treating AI as a partner in brainstorming, research, learning, and organization, while maintaining personal judgment and expertise, users can harness the power of these tools effectively. The key lies in using AI as a supportive resource rather than a replacement for human insight.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on expert opinions and research findings as of October 2023.