What is AI? A plain-English explanation
AI stands for artificial intelligence. In everyday use today, it mostly means a computer program you can type to in normal sentences and get a written reply from.
How it works, without the jargon
The program was trained by showing it an enormous amount of writing. From that it learned which words tend to follow which. When you ask something, it builds a reply a piece at a time, choosing words that fit what you asked. Think of very advanced predictive text that can write whole pages.
Why it seems clever
Because it has been trained on so much writing, it can explain, summarise, draft and rephrase on almost any subject, in whatever style you ask for. That is why people use it for letters, plans and explanations.
Why it sometimes gets things wrong
It produces what sounds right, which is not always what is right. It can state a wrong fact just as confidently as a correct one. That is why you should check anything important.
What it is not
It is not a person, and it is not a replacement for a doctor, solicitor or accountant. It is a tool, a bit like a calculator for words.
A sensible way to use it
Use it to get started, get unstuck, or get something explained. Then use your own judgement, and a trusted source, for the final decision. Ready for a first go? See 10 everyday things you can ask AI.