Should Seniors Try ChatGPT in 2023?

In their youth, seniors would get good information by asking a neighbor, but now it's 2023, and where should seniors turn for good answers?

iPhone users download official ChatGPT app here.

iPhone users download official Google app here.

To make today's discussion as practical as your choice of smartphone app, I'm looking exclusively at two apps: Google Search and ChatGPT. Both are easy and fast ways to search the internet for seniors on iPhones.

Why should seniors try ChatGPT? Both Google Search and ChatGPT are apps on your iPhone that you can use to seek out the information you want, and ChatGPT is better for certain use cases common to those reaching their silver and golden years.

People say you can't always trust the information ChatGPT gives you. I'd say the same is true about most information you read on the internet.

Seniors using iPhones: Should you ask Google or ChatGPT?

Google is best for some cases. ChatGPT is best for others.

For seniors, both Google and ChatGPT are helpful apps to keep right next to each other on your iPhone. The reason why seniors should try ChatGPT is that, in many cases, ChatGPT gets you a more complete answer faster.

Ask Google for practical day-to-day answers. Use Google When...

• Shopping online
• Checking local business hours
• Finding news and entertainment

Try one of these or something similar:

• "Is Walgreen's open on Christmas Day?"
• "Best heavy-duty cream for dry scaly feet?"
• "Detroit Lions 2024 season schedule?"

Ask ChatGPT to summarize complex topics. Use ChatGPT When...

• Planning what to do next
• Considering all the options
• Getting a second opinion

Try one of these or something similar:

• "Ways to stay healthy and active into old age?"
• "Best foods to prevent inflammation?"
• "Things for a picnic at the park?"

Are Google and ChatGPT good for seniors?

I recommend that everyone with an iPhone has these two apps installed and put side-by-side on their home screens. You go to these apps when you get stuck and don't know the next step.

To achieve ease-of-use for seniors especially, go to the App Store and install the apps on your phone because they are easiest and fastest to use as apps on your home screen, not web pages in the browser.

The minute you start searching Google or prompting ChatGPT, you then expand and start to learn fun and interesting new things. With voice typing these days, internet research has become delightfully conversational!

You'll intuitively learn which questions to ask Google and which you'd better reserve for an AI chat with ChatGPT.

Pro: Both Are Much Easier to Start Than You Would Think

Nowadays, it's easier than ever to use ChatGPT, especially when you log in via Apple or Google. Google, of course, lets you log in via Google too.

Seniors who are already logged into the Apple App Store and their Gmail Account on their iPhone will be able to log in to both the Google app and ChatGPT, no problem.

As scary as AI sounds, it's easy enough for adults of all ages to create an account.

Con: ChatGPT Requires Text Message Verification (Less Easy)

ChatGPT will require you to verify via text message. You'll have to enter your phone number, wait to get the text, and then enter the 6 digits into the app.

Apps use phone number verification. Apps do it to verify you're a person with a phone number because usually only people have phones, and people usually only have one.

Pro: Both Apps Support Voice Search

My dad has Parkinson's. For him, using words to search is easier than using fingers to search. I haven't been diagnosed with a disease. Tapping one button and then saying what I want is easier than typing with fingers for me too.

You can use voice typing for both, meaning that you press a button and Apple listens to you while you ask your question or type what you're searching for.

How to use Google App on iPhone

The particular one I'm reviewing today is the iOS version of the Google app available on the Apple App Store for free. Link to app store

You'd have to have never used the internet beyond Facebook if you don't know Google Search. It's the search engine that's synonymous with search. When you want to know something, you Google it.

To make sure the senior in your life gets the best use of the Google App, maybe you'd like to watch over their shoulder when they open up the app for the first time.

1. Open the app and tap the microphone icon.
2. When your iPhone asks you to enable Voice Access, say "Allow."
3. Now when you tap the microphone icon, you just say what you want to search.
4. When your iPhone asks you to enable Location Access, say "Allow."
5. Now when you search for something in your area, it will find the most relevant local places first.

How to use ChatGPT App on iPhone

So how are Google Search and ChatGPT related? Both help you get answers. You ask a question or give a prompt, and you get an answer or response in return.

The official ChatGPT app is available for download on the Apple App Store as well. Link to app store

1. Open the app and tap the soundwave icon.
2. When your iPhone asks you to enable Voice Access, say "Allow."
3. Now when you tap the microphone icon, you just say what you want to prompt.

Turning Voice and Location On and Off

You can choose to enable or disable location. When you let Google know your location, you get really accurate local results.

The same goes for voice. If you're not used to technology and wouldn't like it if your phone is listening to you, then just turn off voice.

You can always go to your Home Screen, then the Settings App, then scroll all the way down to find Google or ChatGPT to turn off Location or Voice permissions.