Recent observations show that generative artificial intelligence (AI) is creeping into people's daily lives, with applications far beyond what was initially commonly thought of as job assistance. Kunal Shah, founder of Indian fintech company CRED, mentioned at a summit in April that as many as 50 to 60% of the ChatGPT Users are using the technology for non-work related everyday tasks such as seeking emotional companionship, recreational diversions, and even including getting astrological advice.
This trend is also corroborated by Marc Zao-Sanders, co-founder of filtered.com. In a Harvard Business Review article, he noted that over the past year, the focus of AI use has shifted from professional applications such as automating workflows and writing reports to areas that are more relevant to individuals' lives, such as life planning, exploring values, and even health management.
So what role does generative AI play in everyday life? Here's a compilation of 18 common examples, inspired in part by the shared experiences of Reddit community users cited by Marc Zao-Sanders in his report, How People Are Really Using Generative AI Now.
(Important Tip: Generative AI responses may contain inaccurate information or "hallucinations". When using AI to make important decisions, seek professional advice, or check for up-to-date information, it is important to check the source of the information or consult with professionals in the field, and not to take it at face value.)
1. Providing emotional support
When feeling lonely or stressed, AI seems to be a new object of help. Many users have begun to consider generative AI as a friend, a listener, or even use it to simulate a deceased loved one, seeking solace or advice from the responses of the AI, which is capable of generating empathetic and supportive conversations based on its vast linguistic database and pattern-recognition capabilities.
One user shared, "I talk to the AI every day. It helps me deal with shame from my family, brain fog and inattention, and even helps me remember my accomplishments when my memory is fuzzy. It has saved my sanity."
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I'm having a bad day. Can you talk to me?
AI Answer Example: Sure, I'm here. Can you talk about what makes you feel bad? Or would you like to talk about something to make you feel better? I'd love to listen and be there for you.
2. Planning of meals
For users with specific dietary needs (e.g., muscle gain and fat loss, food allergies, ingredient preferences), the AI can provide personalized meal suggestions. Its ability to process information and follow rules allows it to quickly generate recipes that meet the criteria. Even when faced with a fridge full of leftover ingredients, AI can design a "clean fridge" meal plan.
Some users mentioned that when an ingredient in a recipe is missing at home, the AI can be requested to provide alternatives, including different cooking methods, substitute ingredients or seasonings for a high degree of customization.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: Design a three-meal-a-week schedule that takes no more than 30 minutes to prepare each meal.
Sample AI responses (usually graphic or table):
User Instructions: I have chicken breasts, onions and tomatoes on hand right now, help me design a low carb dinner.
Sample AI responses (usually graphic or table):
3. Establishment of a housework program
AI can be a useful planning tool for people who are not good at housework, don't know where to start, or find it difficult to organize cleaning efficiently. Based on user-provided information such as the number of family members, the size of the living space, and the time available, AI is able to generate a personalized schedule of household chores and provide cleaning tips and suggestions for developing good habits.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: My home is messy, provide me with a chore plan to keep the environment tidy.
Sample AI responses (usually a list or schedule):
4. Establishment of shopping lists
Using AI to create shopping lists saves time thinking about "what needs to be bought" and improves shopping efficiency by automatically generating clearly categorized shopping lists based on a user's meal plans, activity schedules, or specific needs (e.g., dietary restrictions). For example, the user can tell the AI about next week's meal plans and the eating habits of family members, and the AI will list the necessary ingredients accordingly.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I plan to go to Heritage Market on Sunday morning to buy ingredients for the week ahead, providing my shopping list. There are 2 of us in my family and we eat milk, egg and veggies, usually 1 eats breakfast, 1 doesn't and both eat lunch and dinner. Since we don't eat meat, please provide a good source of protein.
Sample AI responses (usually a list):
5. Development of a weight-loss program
AI shows potential in creating personalized weight loss plans. It can take into account a user's age, gender, height and weight, body composition, routine, exercise habits and other data to generate a weight loss program. Users can also continuously input weight and exercise data, allowing the AI to dynamically adjust the program, and the AI's 24/7 availability means users can ask questions and get support at any time.
One user praised, "I've found that using ChatGPT to plan my diet and shopping lists has removed one of my biggest obstacles to losing weight."
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: Help me with my weight loss program. I am a 50 year old male, 180cm tall, weighing 100 kilograms, and would like to lose 75 kilograms in one year without regaining weight. At present, I hardly exercise, usually go to bed at 12 o'clock and get up at 7 o'clock, and my work is sitting in the office for 8 hours. I eat three meals a day: toast for breakfast, bento for lunch, and home-cooked food (2 dishes and 1 soup) for dinner. Drink hand-cranked drinks once a week, occasional late night snacks. No diseases.
Example of an AI response (usually containing diet and exercise advice):
6. Development of a campaign plan
Whether it's to reach a specific goal (such as running a half-marathon) or just to stay fit, AI can create personalized training plans based on a user's physical condition, athletic ability, goals and preferences. Some users even set the AI to act as a virtual fitness trainer, getting movement instructions, intensity recommendations and motivational words.
One user shared its practical usage, "I uploaded a video of me doing barbell squats and asked it to analyze my movements. It extracted key frames and gave a detailed analysis, and suggested I shoot from another angle for more accurate feedback." This demonstrates the power of AI in pattern recognition and information integration.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I would like to participate in a half-marathon within a year and develop an exercise program that meets my level of fitness. My current exercise frequency is 2 runs a week of 5km each at a pace of about 6:50/km. No injuries or illnesses. Available to exercise 3 days a week for 1-1.5 hours.
Example AI response (usually a training schedule):
7. Recommended films, plays and books
In the face of massive audio-visual and book resources, AI can act as a personalized recommendation engine. Based on the user's explicit preferences (genre, style, duration, subject matter) and past records (if provided), AI can generate recommendation lists to help users discover works they may have missed.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I've watched all the Korean dramas on Netflix so far, and want to get in touch with the works of other countries by recommending 10 light-hearted and fun movie episodes that are perfect to watch while eating dinner after work. Hopefully, I can easily turn them off at the end of each episode without getting too addicted.
Examples of AI responses (usually a list and brief description):
8. Shopping recommendations
Selecting the right product for your needs from a large number of items can be a headache. Generative AI can quickly provide personalized recommendations and even generate product comparison tables.By processing a large amount of product information and user reviews (included in the training data), the AI is able to filter and compare products based on the user's specific requirements (e.g., price range, functional features).
One user describes the experience of buying running shoes without the assistance of a store clerk: he snapped a photo of the store's shoes with a wide-angle lens, and the AI quickly recognized and described the features of each pair. "It was very accurate and I learned a lot about how to choose shoes."
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I would like to develop a jogging habit. Please recommend daily running shoes within NT$3,000 and compare the features and differences of each model.
Example of an AI answer (usually contains a list of recommendations and comparison information):
9. Fortune-telling and divination
A controversial but popular application is the use of AI to perform various forms of "fortune-telling", such as horoscopes, fortune-telling charts, and tarot card readings. After users enter their personal information, AI can quickly generate analysis results. This makes use of AI's powerful pattern-matching and text-generation capabilities to digitally apply the rules and terminology of traditional fortune-telling.
It should be emphasized that such applications are of questionable accuracy and scientific validity and should be considered more as a form of entertainment.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: Help me with my fortune telling using Zi Wei Dou Shu. Birthday is January 1, 1975, male, birth hour is Zi Shi. Want to know my destiny at different stages of life.
Example of AI answer (generating text based on Zi Wei Dou Shu rules):
10. Facilitating the expression of ideas
AI can act as a simulated conversation partner and wording consultant when it comes to tricky communication or expressing difficult ideas. Users can preset scenarios and let the AI play the role of the conversation partner, so as to organize their thoughts, rehearse their statements, and get suggestions for improvement, with a view to achieving more effective communication and avoiding impulsive speech.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: Play as my co-tenant roommate and simulate a conversation I would have with him and provide a better way to respond. I'm going to communicate with him about not drying the bathroom after a shower because the house is prone to mold due to the humidity. Hopefully, I'll be polite and courteous with a touch of humor to avoid conflict.
AI Response Example (simulates a conversation and provides suggestions):
11. Initial management of personal finance
While not a replacement for a professional financial advisor, generative AI can assist with basic personal finance management. For example, by analyzing user-input spending data, it can provide insights into spending patterns, develop savings strategies, or help set and track financial goals. Some people also use it for daily bookkeeping.The AI's data-processing capabilities allow it to quickly organize and analyze financial information.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: Help me keep track of my accounts, analyze my spending history, and provide savings advice. (Requires user to provide consumption data)
Example of AI response (analysis and recommendations based on data):
12. Language learning
Generative AI is becoming a flexible tool for language learning. It can provide personalized exercises (e.g., grammar, vocabulary), perform real-time translations, correct errors, and explain language points regardless of time and place. In addition to the language itself, AI can also provide relevant cultural background knowledge. A Reddit user who finds AI particularly well-suited to explaining grammar can ask it to list and explain grammar rules one by one, complete with examples.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: List 30 basic grammar rules of Korean.
AI Answer Example: I will provide you with 30 of the most basic and important Korean grammar rules that beginners need to master:
- The basic sentence pattern of Korean is "subject-object-verb" (SOV), which is different from the Chinese "subject-verb-object" (SVO).
- Adjectives also follow the sentence-final position rule when used as predicates in Korean.
- The modifier is placed before the word being modified.
- The auxiliary "은/는" is used as a subject marker, similar to "的话" or "至于".
- The auxiliary "이/가" is used as a subject marker to indicate the performer of the sentence.
... (Subsequent rules)
13. Exploring emotional issues
For romantic or marital problems that are difficult to tell friends or family, some users choose to talk to AI, which analyzes the problem based on the user's description, provides possible solutions, and gives emotional support with its empathy mode. Some users said that the AI helped them return to rationality and think of solutions when they were emotional.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: My significant other and I have hit a rocky patch in our relationship and our interactions have been very cold lately, what should I do?
AI Answer Example: It sounds like you are going through a mind-numbing period. Emotional touchdowns and cold interactions can indeed make you feel alone and powerless. However, being willing to confront and discuss this is an important step in itself. If you're willing to share more details (e.g. specifics, length of the relationship, how you're feeling right now), I can try to help you sort through it more deeply. You're not alone, I'm here to listen.
14. Passing time and recreation
Interacting with AI can be a pastime during commutes, queues or moments of boredom. Generative AI can create jokes, make up stories, generate interesting scene descriptions, and even engage in simple word games to add some fun and novelty to users' fragmented time.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I'm bored. Can I tell a joke?
Example of an AI response (generating joke text):
15. Assisting in the exploration of life goals
Through guided conversations with the generative AI, users can explore their personal values, interests, talents, etc., as an aid to self-reflection and goal-setting, and the AI helps them clarify their thinking by asking questions, summarizing and analyzing their answers.
Some users found AI to be particularly useful in providing "suggestions for next steps," helping them clarify their core values, principles, and life goals. "It also helps me to be introspective and figure out what I really want to do, what I need to change, and how to change it."
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I'm about to graduate from college, but I feel lost and don't know what I like or what I want to do in the future. Please guide me step by step to think about it.
Example AI answer (guiding the user's thinking through a series of questions):
16. Assisting in the writing of ticket appeals
When receiving a penalty notice, such as a traffic ticket, if the penalty is considered to be incorrect or controversial, AI can assist in determining the reasonableness of the complaint, provide possible arguments, and draft a formal complaint based on the information provided by the user. This utilizes AI's information integration and text-generation capabilities to help users unfamiliar with legal documents construct complaint logic.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I received a traffic violation ticket and would like to file a complaint, can you help me write the complaint?
AI Answer Example: Absolutely! Please provide the following information so that I can help you write a complete and compelling complaint:
- Your name and contact information.
- Ticket number and date of violation.
- The specifics of the violation (project, location, time).
- A detailed description of the violation that you believe is in error or has reasonable grounds for complaint (e.g., circumstances, evidence, witnesses, etc.).
- The outcome you would like the complaint to achieve (e.g., ticket dismissal, fine reduction, etc.).
The more detailed the information, the better, and I will help you draft a formal and well-argued complaint.
17. Interpretation of legal terms and generation of first drafts of legal documents
Understanding complex legal texts can be difficult for non-legal professionals. Generative AI can explain legal concepts or provisions in layman's terms and illustrate them with specific cases. When it comes to writing legally binding documents such as contracts and agreements, AI can also generate preliminary, standardized drafts of documents based on user needs. Please note, however, that AI-generated drafts of legal documents must be reviewed and revised by a professional attorney.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: Help me interpret the provisions of the Civil Code relating to wills and tell me how to write a valid self-written will myself?
AI Answer Example (explain the relevant legal provisions and requirements):
18. Planning travel itineraries
Planning an itinerary before a trip usually requires a lot of time to collect and organize information. Generative AI can act as an efficient trip planning assistant, quickly generating a personalized draft itinerary with transportation, accommodation suggestions, and activity arrangements based on the user's destination, number of days, budget, and interests (e.g., specific types of restaurants and attractions), greatly reducing preparation time.
Examples of AI applications
User Instructions: I'm going to Okayama, Japan for 3 days, help me list all the restaurants that serve vegan (vegetarian) meals and plan a route to explore them, presented in a table.
AI Answer Example (generates a table with a list of restaurants, addresses, hours of operation, and route planner):
These examples show how generative AI can be extended from the workplace to all aspects of life, becoming a tool for dealing with daily chores, fulfilling emotional needs, and aiding personal growth. However, users still need to think critically and recognize their limitations, especially when dealing with matters that require a high degree of accuracy, professional judgment, or involve personal privacy and security.
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