How to use ChatGPT: get started in 10 minutes
Never used ChatGPT? This guide shows you step by step how to get started, what you can do with it and how to keep your data safe.
Everyone is talking about it, but you have never tried it? Then now is a good time to start using ChatGPT. In ten minutes you will have had your first conversation and seen for yourself what this AI chatbot can do for you. You will also read what to watch out for, so you can start safely.
What exactly is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a chatbot from the American company OpenAI: you type a question or instruction and you get an answer in everyday language. It is one of the best-known AI tools in the world.
You can use it to write texts, get something explained, come up with ideas, rewrite messages and much more. Do you want to understand how AI works in general first? Then read our article what is AI, explained simply.
Because ChatGPT predicts words, an answer often sounds very confident. That does not always mean it is correct. We come back to this later in this article.
How do you get started with ChatGPT?
You start by going to chatgpt.com or downloading the official app, and then you simply type your first question. You do this in four easy steps.
Step 1: open ChatGPT
In your browser, go to chatgpt.com or download the official ChatGPT app for iPhone or Android. Make sure you choose the real app from OpenAI. App stores also contain fake apps that look like ChatGPT.
Step 2: create an account (recommended)
You can also try ChatGPT without an account, but you will have fewer options. With a free account, your conversations are saved and you can pick up later where you left off. You log in with your email address or with an existing account such as Google, Microsoft or Apple.
Step 3: ask your first question
Type your question in the text box at the bottom and press Enter. Start with something simple where you already know the answer yourself. That way you can see straight away how good the answer is.
| What do you want? | Example of an instruction |
|---|---|
| Come up with ideas | Think of five names for an allotment club. |
| Get something explained | Explain what inflation is in three sentences. |
| Improve a text | Make this message friendlier: [paste your text]. |
Step 4: keep the conversation going
ChatGPT remembers what was said earlier in the same conversation. So you can ask follow-up questions with phrases like: can you make it shorter, turn it into a list, or explain it more simply. Do you want to start on something completely different? Then open a new conversation. That keeps the answer clean.
The better your question, the better the answer. In what is a prompt you can read how to write a good instruction.
Is ChatGPT free, or do you have to pay?
You can use ChatGPT for free, and the free version already does a lot. There are also paid subscriptions with extra features and higher limits.
Our advice: start for free. Only consider a subscription if you regularly run into limits, for example because you are sending too many messages. Prices and features change often. So always check the OpenAI website for up-to-date information before you sign up for anything.
What should you watch out for when using ChatGPT?
Pay particular attention to two things: check important answers and never paste private information into the chat. A few settings also help you keep more control over your data.
- Check the facts. ChatGPT can make mistakes and sometimes makes things up. Don’t use it as your only source for medical, legal or financial decisions.
- Don’t share private information. Don’t paste passwords, national ID numbers (in the Netherlands: citizen service numbers), medical details or confidential company information into a chatbot.
- Check your settings. Under Settings and then Data controls, you can choose whether your conversations may be used to improve OpenAI’s models. OpenAI explains this in its help article on data controls in ChatGPT.
At work this is even more important. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) warned that entering personal data into AI chatbots can lead to data breaches, as reported by Recht.nl. The regulator recommends making clear agreements at work about the use of chatbots. You can find more tips in our article on using AI safely and protecting your privacy.
What can you try first?
A good first step is to let ChatGPT think along with your own work. That way you can see straight away where it can save you time.
Do you want more ready-made instructions? In prompts for your work you will find a whole collection.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need an account to use ChatGPT?
No, you can also try ChatGPT without an account. With a free account, though, your conversations are saved and you get more options.
Does ChatGPT work in other languages?
Yes. You can simply type in your own language, including Dutch, and you will usually get an answer in the same language. If that doesn’t work, ask: answer in English (or the language you want).
Does OpenAI use my conversations?
It can, but you can turn this off. In the settings, under Data controls, turn off the option Improve the model for everyone, as OpenAI explains in how your data is used.
Can I trust ChatGPT?
Not blindly. ChatGPT is handy for ideas and first drafts, but it can make mistakes. Always check facts, figures and advice against a reliable source.
That’s your first conversation started. Open chatgpt.com, try the instruction from the box above and see what happens. Want to go further? Then read how to use AI smartly at work.
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