More and more people are using artificial intelligence to get quick answers, generate content, solve problems or simplify their daily work. But despite the potential of tools like ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini, many users are disappointed by the answers: too generic, vague, off-topic.
Often, the real problem isn't the AI. It's the way the question is asked.
The problem? We treat AI like Google
We have been used to using search engines for years. For this reason, we tend to interact with AI chatbots in the same way: by typing keywords, dry sentences, impersonal requests.
But this approach is limiting because AI doesn’t work like Google. Modern chatbots don’t search the internet for information in real time, but generate responses based on context, intent, and natural language understanding.
The result? If we ask them generic prompts, we get generic answers. It's a bit like using a state-of-the-art smartphone just to make phone calls.
A little trick that makes a big difference
Want to get better answers? Try rephrasing your prompts starting with the word "I".
It's a simple but powerful shift in perspective.
Starting a prompt with “I” forces you to focus on a real need, personal context, or specific goal. This helps the chatbot provide you with more relevant, detailed, and concrete answers.
Example:
- Generic prompt: “Exercises to improve concentration”
- Powerful prompt: “I get distracted easily when I work from home. What exercises can I try to improve my concentration?”
In the second case, AI doesn't have to guess what you need: it already knows. And it can help you better.
3 Tips for Writing Effective Prompts
1. Stop using only keywords
Typing “best car insurance” or “how to sleep better” may work well on a search engine, but with a chatbot you risk getting answers that are too generic.
Instead, try telling your story. Provide context, emotion, purpose.
Example:
- Generic: “How to sleep better”
- Conversational: “I’ve been having trouble falling asleep lately because I have too much on my mind. Do you have any simple tips I can try tonight?”
The second prompt activates the conversational part of the AI, which can respond like a real conversationalist.
2. Remember that AI is not a search engine
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity and other chatbots do more than “fish for information”. They are designed to talk. To get the most out of them, they need to be engaged as if they were human experts.
Example:
- Generic: “How to write a cover letter”
- Conversational: “I’m looking for a job in digital marketing, but I come from teaching. Can you help me write a cover letter that highlights my career change?”
The second prompt provides context, direction, and purpose. AI can then collaborate in creative and personalized ways.
3. Customize. And don't worry about privacy
To get the most out of AI, it’s important to personalize. Many users shy away from sharing details for fear that they’ll be “memorized.” But there’s good news: ChatGPT lets you easily manage your memory.
You can disable the memory function by following these steps:
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Memory
- Turn off memory or delete individual entries
- To prevent your content from being used for training, go to Settings > Data > Data controls and disable “Allow use of training content”
So you can talk with peace of mind: the AI will not store your information.
The quality of the answers depends on the quality of the questions.
Treating AI like a search engine limits its potential. Instead, a little trick — starting your prompts with “I” — can radically transform your experience.
The more human the input, the more useful the response will be.
