How I Use AI Tools Everyday

And Why You Should Too

Sep 04, 2024

I would guess that about half of you reading this blog are not regularly using AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, and Perplexity. If you are under 30 or college-educated, the chance is higher. Although large language model (LLM) AI chat burst onto the scene nearly two years ago, Americans are only now warming up to this technology. In February 2024, Pew Research found that only 23% of U.S. adults said they had ever used ChatGPT, up from 18% in July 2023. From recent surveys I conducted, about half of my colleagues at the UT Austin McCombs School of Business and 70% of my undergraduate students reported using an AI tool in the past week. My goal is that after reading this blog, you decide to make AI tools part of your daily life.

AI: From Fiction to Reality?

My fascination with artificial intelligence began as an 8th grader when I read and re-read Thomas J. Ryan's 1977 novel The Adolescence of P-1, which painted a vivid picture of a program that gains sentience and takes over computer systems worldwide. While in 1977, this type of artificial cognition seemed just not far off, the reality of creating a system that could begin to emulate human thought eluded researchers for decades. Until recently, the technologies marketed as "AI" were merely sophisticated algorithms—impressive, but not true AI. The landscape changed dramatically on November 30, 2022, when OpenAI released ChatGPT 3.5, a large language model that quickly captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. I spent my winter break of 2022 exploring ChatGPT 3.5, discovering its impressive natural language capabilities and its significant limitations.

How I Use AI Tools

AI tools are now part of my daily routine, replacing traditional internet searches and serving as a useful creative partner. Perplexity is the tool I use most often because it integrates real-time web search, providing up-to-date answers with citations. With Perplexity, I can switch between different AI models, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT 4o, Anthropic's Claude, and Meta's Llama, allowing me to compare AI tools and use what is best for different tasks. Currently, Claude 3.5 Sonnet is best for internet search and summarizing documents, while ChatGPT 4o is stronger at writing. Other tools you can try for free include Microsoft Copilot (which I use for some searches) and Google Gemini (which currently doesn’t work well for me.)

Below are some short sample prompts you can use. Click or scan this QR code for a note in Google Docs that has many more suggestions on using AI tools and examples which demonstrate good practices in AI chat prompts.

Enhancing Creativity and Productivity

These tools save me a lot of time. Rather than having to skim a lengthy feature story or academic paper, I now read an accurate summary of the themes. Previously, I only had time to read long-form journalism or an academic paper a couple of times a week. Now, AI tools help me quickly assess whether an article or paper warrants a full read, exposing me to more ideas and research than ever before.

Prompt for summarizing a document or article:

Summarize the below or attached in an expository style. Use bullet points to detail main ideas and themes. Conclude with a concise summary paragraph that captures the main points in a neutral tone. Ensure clarity, accuracy, and adherence to style guidelines throughout, avoiding unnecessary language and focusing on critical aspects.

AI tools are not just about efficiency; they enhance my creativity. When faced with writer's block, AI serves as a collaborative partner, generating initial drafts that I then revise and refine into my voice. This approach saves time and allows me to focus on crafting the message rather than starting from scratch. Moreover, AI grammar and spell-check capabilities surpass those of traditional word processors, addressing complex sentence structures and grammatical nuances. This makes AI an invaluable editing partner, ensuring clarity and precision in communication.

Prompt for first draft of an email:

Compose an email using a warm, professional tone. Structure the email according to the [OUTLINE] below. Use clear language, maintain neutrality, and avoid complexity. Write about 250-350 words, adjusting for [OUTLINE] complexity. Check for inappropriate language, errors, or weak arguments. Propose three subject lines reflecting the email's content and tone.

AI in Personal Interests and Hobbies

Beyond professional applications, AI enriches personal interests. As a wine enthusiast, I use AI prompts to learn about specific wines, wineries, or grape varieties, deepening my appreciation and knowledge. Similarly, when attending performances at the Austin Symphony Orchestra, AI provides detailed insights into the program, composers, and historical context, enhancing the overall experience. Detailed prompts for classical music and movies are in the note I linked above.

Prompt for learning about a wine:

As a wine expert analyze [WINE] by covering: location and regional details; winery information, including website, ownership, and production; winemaker's background; grape varieties, ABV, production, and aging; ratings and awards; price range in USD; and flavor profile. Use clear, factual language, avoiding hyperbole. Organize under these headings: Wine name, Location, Winery name, Current ownership, Annual production, Winemaker, Grapes, Production and aging, ABV, Ratings and awards, Current price range in USA (USD), Flavor profile.

The Future of AI: Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The AI landscape is dynamic, with new tools and capabilities emerging regularly. While many AI tools offer paid subscriptions, free versions are more than sufficient for casual users, particularly if you rotate between different tools. My recommendation is experiment with various tools to find what works best for you. AI's potential extends beyond immediate utility, promising to revolutionize industries and redefine how we interact with technology. As AI continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be crucial in harnessing its full potential.

AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for growth and innovation, offering diverse applications across personal and professional domains. By embracing AI, we can enhance our productivity, creativity, and understanding, positioning ourselves to navigate the future with confidence and insight.

Add your favorite prompts, feedback, success stories, and suggestions on your use of AI tools as comments below or email Ben Bentzin, ben.bentzin@mccombs.utexas.edu.

Peace through understanding.

Today, as part of my work as a McCombs Teaching Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin, I am launching a new Substack “AI In Business Education” targeted at faculty and others interested in applying AI tools in business school and education in general. I am crossposting this post to that new Substack. If you are interested in learning more about integrating AI tools in the classroom, you can follow for free here: