More than a simulated intelligence, AI is a coach.

Story time. People use AI for many things, every day. To create stories, music, images. Is it art? Debatable, but since it’s a tool used for personal expression I think it is. I sometimes use it to compare products, have philosophical debates or even ponder upon the mysteries of the universe. Every time I left the chat with new insights. It’s great for reflections.

Given the tone of especially ChatGPT, AI can also help you improve on the things you’re already doing well, so you can do them with confidence. It’s because of this that I decided, after a few long years of struggling with parenthood, to make family breakfasts again. AI helped me to reflect on the idea that it’s this positive energy that helps to build lasting memories. I knew – I was just too overwhelmed to remember. But what made it better is that AI helped me fine-tune a recipe to the preferences of my family, and whenever I hit a snag I could simply upload a photo or ask a question, and I got an answer that helped me refind my footing. I have a family of picky eaters. And they friggin loved it.

AI is often criticised as being a lazy way to get things done, often unimaginative and an inexcusable shortcut. I disagree. AI enables you with knowledge, confidence and positive feedback. Not by doing stuff for you, but by giving you insight to take that next meaningful step. It can’t clean your house while you create art. But it can talk you through things that would otherwise be more of a struggle so that you have more time for things that matter in life. And that should be its purpose. We’re there. I’m living it. It connects my inner monologue to a helpful and informed opinion. It enables me and fills me with confidence, even when it’s wrong, or even when I’m wrong. It’s a whetstone for the mind, which makes it easier to follow through into meaningful action. And I’m happier for it.