I use AI when it is the right tool for a particular job. I write some material myself and use AI to help generate or edit other material. I also use it for formatting, image creation and behind-the-scenes office work. The choice depends on what I am trying to do.
AI does not take responsibility for the work. I decide what to ask, review what comes back, and remain accountable for what I publish. A confident answer is not the same as a verified one, so I check important factual claims against reliable sources.
Questions I ask before using a tool
- What do I need help doing, and is AI a sensible tool for it?
- Is this appropriate information to share with this service? I check the provider’s current privacy information when that matters.
- What needs a human check—names, dates, calculations, quotations, instructions or claims about other people?
- Would a simpler tool or my own work be a better fit?
These questions do not guarantee privacy or accuracy. They help me make the choice deliberately. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada offers guidance for people using AI chatbots, including limiting personal information and reviewing privacy settings. Its separate generative-AI privacy principles are directed to organizations, not a consumer product comparison.
How I approach AI in my work
I use the best tool for the job, and AI is one tool among others. I want to be truthful about where it helps without suggesting every task uses it or turning each project into a list of software. When the way AI was used is material to a reader’s understanding, I address it in context. My editorial standards explain how I approach accuracy, sourcing, corrections and transparency.
This page began as notes for a possible Smart Tech for Real People topic. It is not a book announcement, and I may never publish a book about it. See the books currently available for confirmed titles.