Can AI make my life easier? I spent a week living and working with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence wrote this article. That is a lie actually; I thought AI might write this article, but after several attempts with different models, the end result was peppy, relentlessly positive and ... not good. If you want something done properly, they say, do it yourself. For all our fears about AI taking our jobs, there are still some things that it – fortunately, or unfortunately depending on the task – can’t quite do yet.
The Rise of AI in Everyday Life
Three years ago, most of us had little idea what ChatGPT was, or why we should care about AI. Fast forward to 2025 and it seems everyone wants in on the AI game. There are chatbots managing customer service, a kind of high-tech automated phone system steering you to the right person. There are virtual assistants offering help on every app you open. We can’t get away from AI that apparently exists just to make our lives easier.
Exploring the Benefits of AI
We are naturally suspicious of the technology. AI gone mad has been the basic premise of numerous dystopian futuristic nightmarish movies. Still, there are plenty of good ways to use AI, and so I am tasked by The Irish Times to document how it can be used in day-to-day life over the course of a normal week.
Embracing AI in Daily Tasks
A bit of thought reveals that I am already using AI regularly, even if I didn’t realise it. As a journalist, I use AI to transcribe interviews, saving several tedious hours every week. Then there is my mobile phone – both my iPhone and Android have AI built in now.
Gemini is Google's digital assistant that provides AI-powered writing tools, proofreading capabilities, and more. Apple Intelligence, available on select iPhone models, offers features like AI-powered writing tools, customized emojis, and image search using the camera.
A Week with AI
This week will be different though. I’m going to give AI a proper shot, using it for every day-to-day task I can think of. From managing emails to seeking holiday recommendations and even getting fitness plans, AI is set to infiltrate every part of my life.
AI in Action
On Monday morning, Apple Intelligence organizes my personal email into conversations and provides AI-generated summaries for quick understanding. The day’s emails are managed efficiently with the help of AI. As the week progresses, I explore AI's capabilities in various aspects of my life, from work tasks to household chores.
Exploring AI's Limits
While AI proves to be a valuable assistant in many tasks, there are still areas where human intervention is necessary. Despite the advancements in AI technology, there are considerations around data privacy, accuracy, and the need for human oversight in certain situations.
Future of AI in Everyday Life
As AI continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, it is essential to strike a balance between leveraging its benefits and understanding its limitations. Whether it's managing emails, seeking assistance, or improving productivity, AI has the potential to make our lives easier if used effectively.
