Using ChatGPT: how to get started in 10 minutes
Never used ChatGPT before? This guide shows you step by step how to start, what you can do with it, and how to stay safe with your data.
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 learn what to watch out for, so you can get started safely.
What exactly is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a chatbot from the American company OpenAI: you type in a question or task 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 text, explain something, come up with ideas, rewrite messages and much more. 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 will come back to that later in this article.
How do you start using ChatGPT?
You start by going to chatgpt.com or downloading the official app, and then you simply type your first question. You do that in four easy steps.
Step 1: open ChatGPT
Go to chatgpt.com in your browser or download the official ChatGPT app for iPhone or Android. Make sure you choose the real app from OpenAI. App stores also have fake apps that look like ChatGPT.
Step 2: create an account (recommended)
You can also try ChatGPT without an account, but then you have fewer options. With a free account, your conversations are saved and you can pick up where you left off later. You sign in with your email address or with an existing account from Google, Microsoft or Apple, for example.
Step 3: ask your first question
Type your question in the text box at the bottom and press Enter. Start with something simple that you already know the answer to yourself. That way, you can quickly see how good the answer is.
| What do you want? | Example of a task |
|---|---|
| Come up with ideas | Come up with five names for a community garden club. |
| Explain something | Explain inflation in three sentences. |
| Improve a text | Make this message friendlier: [plak je tekst]. |
Step 4: keep talking
ChatGPT remembers what has already been said in the same conversation. So you can ask follow up questions like: can it be shorter, make it into a list, or explain it more simply. Want to start about something completely different? Then open a new chat. That keeps the answer focused.
The better your question, the better the answer. In what is a prompt you can read how to write a good task.
Is ChatGPT free or do you have to pay?
You can use ChatGPT for free, and the free version already lets you do a lot. There are also paid subscriptions with extra features and higher limits.
Our advice: start free. Only look at a subscription if you notice that you regularly run into limits, for example because you send too many messages. Prices and features often change. So always check the OpenAI website for the latest information before you sign up.
What should you watch out for when using ChatGPT?
Pay attention to two things in particular: check important answers and never paste private data into the chat. With a few settings, you can also keep more control over your data.
- Check facts. ChatGPT can make mistakes and sometimes invent things. Do not use it as your only source for medical, legal or financial decisions.
- Do not share private data. Do not paste passwords, national insurance 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 the help article about data controls in ChatGPT.
At work, this is even more important. The Dutch Data Protection Authority warned that entering personal data into AI chatbots can lead to data leaks, 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 about 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 will quickly see where it can save you time.
Want more ready made tasks? 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 Dutch?
Yes. You can simply type in Dutch and you will usually get a Dutch answer too. If that does not work, ask: answer in Dutch.
Does OpenAI use my conversations?
It can, but you can turn that off. In Settings under Data controls, switch 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 useful for ideas and first drafts, but it can make mistakes. Always check facts, figures and advice with a reliable source.
Your first conversation can start right away. Open chatgpt.com, try the task in the box above and see what happens. Want to go further after that? Read how to use AI smartly at work.
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