The Regular
One useful AI tip, every Tuesday — two minutes to read, written for humans.
Ask AI to check a suspicious text message for scam signs before you click anything
Before you tap a link or reply, paste a suspicious text — a ‘delivery problem,’ bank alert, or prize notice — into ChatGPT or Gemini and ask whether it looks like a scam.
Ask AI what to cook tonight using only what's already in your kitchen
Before you make another trip to the store, tell ChatGPT or Gemini what's in your fridge and pantry and ask for a recipe that uses it — cheaper, faster, and less food gets thrown out.
Ask AI to check a job listing for scam red flags before you apply
Before you send your resume or personal details to a job posting that feels a little off, paste it into ChatGPT or Gemini and ask it to flag common job-scam red flags.
Ask AI to write your script before you call to negotiate a bill
Before you call to haggle over your phone, internet, or insurance bill, ask ChatGPT or Gemini to write you a short script — what to say, what to ask for, and how to respond if they say no.
Ask AI to summarize a contract before you sign it
About to sign a lease, gym membership, or service contract? Paste the text into ChatGPT or Gemini first and ask it to pull out the parts that actually matter — in plain language, before you commit.
Ask AI to run a mock job interview with you before the real one
Nervous about an upcoming interview? ChatGPT or Gemini can play the interviewer and ask you real questions, so you get to practice your answers — and calm your nerves — before it counts.
Ask ChatGPT or Gemini to identify a mystery plant or bug from a photo
You don't need a separate app for this. Snap a photo of an unfamiliar plant, weed, or garden bug and ask the AI chatbot you already use — it can identify it and tell you whether it's safe to touch in seconds.
Check if a charity is legitimate before you donate — it takes two minutes
Fake charity websites appear within hours of every disaster. Two quick checks — an official registry and a chatbot — keep your money safe.
Ask AI to decode your energy bill — you might be on the wrong rate plan
Energy bills bury overpayment in confusing line items. Paste yours into ChatGPT or Gemini and find out if your rate plan actually fits how you use power.
Turn on ChatGPT's Lockdown Mode before discussing anything sensitive
ChatGPT's Lockdown Mode keeps sensitive conversations text-only — no web browsing, no images, no file downloads. Here's when to use it and what it won't protect you from.
Ask AI to check the tone of a message before you hit send
That reply to your boss, your neighbour, or your grown-up kid might land harsher — or colder — than you meant. A chatbot can flag the problem in seconds, before it costs you an apology later.
Ask AI to translate any official letter into plain English
Government letters and insurance policies are written for lawyers, not for people. A chatbot can turn any wall of text into a clear summary in about 30 seconds.