The Practical Benefits of Using Generative AI Beyond Writing
From Troubleshooting to Discounts: Unlocking the True Potential of ChatGPT and Other AIs
Beyond the Poetry: Unlocking the Practical Uses of Generative AI
Forget ChatGPT as a modern-day scribe. I don’t care to read its poetry, and I don’t want to read articles written by it. The generated text often feels like a homogenized slurry of poorly written, machine-made content, a far cry from the nuanced creativity that humans bring to writing.
However, after some reflection, I’ve come to appreciate that ChatGPT—and generative AIs in general—have much more practical applications that can genuinely enhance our daily lives.
Practical Uses
I call out ChatGPT by name because it’s the Uber or Netflix of generative AI. Its name recognition is such that people use it as shorthand for AI, but there are other contenders on the market. Google Gemini, Anthropic Claude, and even Perplexity can offer similar functionalities in different ways. While Perplexity AI is primarily designed for search rather than conversational use, I’ve found it effective for various applications, especially when I tried out Perplexity Pro.
Below are three practical uses I’ve found most beneficial during my time working with AI over the past year.
Troubleshooting
Even the most meticulous among us—those who keep every user manual—can find themselves stumped when troubleshooting a device. Whether it’s an ice cream maker or a surround sound system, these manuals can often omit the crucial tips you need.
Running your issue past ChatGPT has saved me hours of frustration diagnosing and fixing everything from printer problems to complex tech setups. Just describe the issue along with the affected device, and ChatGPT offers suggestions based on a wealth of user experiences and solutions, often citing threads from places like Reddit or official support forums.
If you need visuals or step-by-step instructions, simply ask for images or video links in a follow-up question. This feature has proven invaluable, especially when I faced the ordeal of extracting a pot-bound houseplant.
Item Identification
Have you ever found yourself staring at an object, completely unsure of what it is? I once parked my bicycle in the garage and forgot its model name, even though it was a model that the brand had produced in various similar versions.
Then, it hit me: I could use ChatGPT. I took a picture of the bike and asked the app to identify the model. Within moments, I had the answer. This feature has amazed me not just for bike identification but also for diagnosing houseplant issues like leaf blight or identifying strange bugs, such as carpet beetles.
Discounts and Coupons
Let’s face it: searching for discount codes and coupons online can be mind-numbing. While browser extensions like Honey can help automate the search, they don’t always catch every deal.
There have been countless times I’ve waded through outdated or misleading coupon sites, only to find that the deals I hoped for either didn’t exist or had long expired. By asking ChatGPT to help me find valid discount codes, I’ve saved time and avoided the headaches associated with coupon hunting.
Conclusion
So, while the literary prowess of generative AI may leave much to be desired, its utility in troubleshooting, item identification, and saving money is undeniable. The next time you dismiss AI as mere fluff, consider how it can be your practical ally in everyday life. Whether it’s diagnosing a tech issue, identifying an item, or hunting for discounts, generative AIs like ChatGPT can simplify your tasks and make your life a little easier.