Pick one card. Just one.
Do what it says, at your own speed.
If it works, keep the card by your computer.
If it doesn't, set it aside and try another day.
There is no test and no wrong order.
CHECK You are in charge. You can stop at any time, and nothing breaks.
Then try: "Can you say that again more simply?"
CHECK It is a computer program, not a person. You do not need to be polite to it, and it will not be hurt if you close it.
Then try: "Next."
CHECK If an answer is too long, say "shorter, please." You set the pace.
Then try: "Give me an example."
CHECK Being confused is not your fault. A good answer is one you understand.
If a conversation goes sideways, start a fresh one.
Look for a button that says "New chat" or a plus sign.
CHECK Starting over is not failing. People who are good at this start over all the time.
Good at: ideas, explaining, rewording, lists, first drafts, "what could I make with..."
Not good at: being sure of facts, knowing today's news, knowing you.
CHECK Treat it like a well-read friend who is sometimes confidently wrong.
Then try: "Make it simpler. I don't want to buy anything else."
CHECK Cook meat to a safe temperature. A meat thermometer is the only sure way to tell.
Then type or paste in the recipe.
Then try: "Put the new amounts in a list I can print."
CHECK Read the new amounts once yourself. If anything looks odd, ask it to check its math.
Then try: "Which of those will change the taste the least?"
CHECK If anyone at the table has a food allergy, check every swap against it yourself.
Then try: "Make a shopping list for the first two."
CHECK Your doctor's advice comes first. Bring questions to your doctor, not answers from the computer.
Then try: "Ask me questions about how it tasted so we can get closer."
CHECK It is guessing. Your memory is the real recipe, so trust your taste.
Then try: "Turn that into one shopping list, grouped by store aisle."
CHECK Look over the list before you shop. It does not know what is already in your pantry.
Then try: "Which of those are easiest for a beginner?"
CHECK Ask at your local garden center or county extension office too. They know your weather.
Then try: "What should I try first that is safe and cheap?"
CHECK It may list several causes. Try the gentlest fix first, and ask a garden center if it doesn't work.
Then try: "What are some houseplants that are safe for cats?"
CHECK For pets and plants, double-check with your vet or the ASPCA's plant list. This one matters.
Then try: "Tell me how often to water each one."
CHECK Watch your plants, not the schedule. If the soil is still wet, wait.
Then try: "Which seeds can I save from this year for next year?"
CHECK It may suggest products by name. You never have to buy anything it mentions.
Then try: "Describe a raised bed I could ask someone to build."
CHECK Your body knows best. If something hurts, stop, whatever the advice says.
Then try: "Make it warmer and a little shorter."
CHECK Read it out loud before you send it. Change any words that don't sound like you.
Then type in the letter, leaving out your account numbers.
Then try: "What, if anything, do I need to do?"
CHECK For anything about money, benefits or the law, call the office that sent it, using the number on their official website or on your card.
Then try: "Put the most important question first."
CHECK It helps you ask. Your doctor answers. Do not change any medicine because of what the computer says.
Then try: "Which of those are easy to walk?"
CHECK Call ahead before you go. Hours and prices change, and it may not know.
Then try: "Tell me a little about when it came out."
CHECK It can mix up names and dates. If it matters, look it up in a second place.
Then try: "Tell me one surprising fact about it."
CHECK Enjoy it. Just remember it can sound sure and still be wrong.
Never type these into an AI helper, or into anything a stranger asks for:
Your Social Security number. Your Medicare number. Bank or card numbers. Passwords.
CHECK No real helper needs these to answer your question.
An AI helper can sound completely sure and still be wrong. It can even invent a fact.
CHECK Before you act on anything about health, money or the law, check with a person you trust or an official source.
Scammers can copy a loved one's voice from a short recording.
If a call says a grandchild is in trouble and needs money: hang up.
Then call that person back on the number you already have for them.
CHECK Agree on a family code word now. Keep it in your head, not on paper by the phone.
"Act now." "Don't tell anyone." "Pay with gift cards." "Your account is locked."
Any of these means stop.
CHECK Real banks, real government offices and real family will wait while you check.
A photo or video can be made by a computer. It can look real and show something that never happened.
CHECK If a picture asks for money or makes you angry fast, slow down and check it with someone.
An AI helper does not call you, text you, or ask you to pay to fix your computer.
CHECK If someone says they are calling "from your AI," "from Microsoft" or "from Apple," hang up.
Stop. Hang up or close the window. Don't send money.
Call someone you trust.
CHECK You can report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline is 877-908-3360, free, and you do not need to be a member.
You decide what to ask, what to believe and what to do.
The computer helps. You choose.
CHECK Keep this card on top of the deck.