The OG Millennial’s Guide to Navigating AI

If you’re connected to the internet in any way (and let’s be real—who isn’t?), then you already know what the hot topic is across almost every industry: Artificial Intelligence, aka AI.

It’s the buzz, the chatter, the new frontier. Everyone’s talking about it.

You know how we OG Millennials are—naturally curious, always exploring. So of course, I’ve been diving into the world of AI myself. I won’t pretend to be an expert, but the more I learn about it, the more I want to learn.  The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know. That’s the cycle I’m in right now—curiosity, discovery, humility, repeat.

However, while I’m within that loop, I’ve picked up some valuable insights. Some are basic, others a bit deeper. Regardless, they are key ideas I believe everyone should know. What you do with them is up to you.  If they spark something in you—some interest, some motivation to dig deeper— then on my end, I see it as a mission accomplished.

Key Things to Know About AI

• AI should not and cannot be a substitute for your authenticity.
  It should enhance you—not replace you.
  

• Use AI to help you create—not create for you.
  Keep the human element at the center.  This is very  mandatory for best results.
  

• ChatGPT is just the beginning.
  Keep exploring. Keep learning. This is the tip of the iceberg.  There are other services similar and just as good.  There are other AI tools that improve your life in a many other ways.
  

• Always look at things through two lenses:

  1. How can this be better or more efficient?

  2. Can this be automated in any way?
     

• Yes, ChatGPT collects your data.
  That’s how it keeps getting better at answering your questions. Don’t be surprised—be informed.

• AI tools aren’t your friends—they’re your enablers.
  Think of them as the best assistants you’ve ever had. Only difference? They never tell you “no.”  All they want is to be better at what you prompt them to do.
  

• Be extremely specific when writing prompts.
  Even if you think the context is obvious—spell it out. More detail = better results.
  

• Learn the best prompt formats for each platform.
  Different AIs are built differently. Do your homework. Speak their language.
  

• AI works best when it’s optimizing something that already exists.
  Create first. Then let AI help make it better.
  

• More people are using AI than you think.
  You’re not ahead of the curve just because you’re using it. You’re just in the game.
  

• Trust—but verify.
  AI is inherently biased by the information it receives and uses to give you your answers.  As a result of this, it could be using false information to give you your answers.  Beware of this.  AI pulls from massive datasets that may include misinformation. Cross-check everything.
  

• Too much of anything is bad—even AI.
  There’s a limit. Don’t rely on it for everything.
  

• Use AI as a second opinion.
  It’s smart—but it shouldn’t be your only advisor.  Still seek out experts and people you trust.
  

• AI is a great brainstorming partner.
  Stuck on a project or idea? Use it to spark creativity.
  

• It’s excellent for risk-benefit analysis.
  Business, life, career—run the numbers with the help of your near expert assistant.
  

• Don’t fight the shift—adapt.
  Change is the only constant in life. Embrace it.
  

• The more skilled you are in your field, the more AI will amplify your value.
  Skill plus AI is a cheat code.  No really, it’s a super cheat code.
  

• AI makes an incredible data analyst.
  It can crunch numbers and find patterns faster than you can blink.
  

• Use it to quiz yourself.
  Whether you’re into African geography or molecular biology—make learning a game.
  

Conclusion

I’m sure there are more insights to uncover, more red flags to flag, and more “aha” moments waiting down the road, but this is what’s resonating with me right now.

My only real goal is to share what I know in a way that inspires you to want to know more too. Because AI—much like the internet once was—isn’t going anywhere. It’s only becoming more foundational to everyday life.

Think about how unimaginable life would be today without the internet. Now imagine what life in 2050, 2060, or 2070 might look like when AI becomes just as ingrained.

Start learning now. Stay curious. Stay authentic. And always, always keep evolving.