Saturday, 30 November 2024
Saturday, 30 November 2024
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman may have famously said that Indian tech companies have no hope of competing with the first world in developing artificial intelligence aka AI, but Indians across age groups are already using the new technology in their daily chores.
With the smartphone becoming ubiquitous and many higher-end phones coming with AI tools in-built, the adoption of AI into daily life is becoming faster and smoother.
To explore the diverse ways people are using AI, The Telegraph Online reached out to individuals from various age groups across the country. Here’s what they had to say:
For students, AI is a handy tool
For students, AI apps are a study partner that never sleeps.
"As a history MA student, ChatGPT has significantly enhanced my research and academic work," says Greeshmi Dedhiya, 22, from Mumbai University.
“It has helped me organise assignments, research papers, and theses effectively, ensuring I stay on track with deadlines. I command it to generate summaries and give initial insights into complex topics both via website and phone application. I also use Quillbot for rephasing content and Google Gemini for getting enhanced insights,” she says.
Lakshita Bhura, 16, a Class 12 student preparing to take her ISC from La Martiniere For Girls, Kolkata, says she uses ChatGPT in a variety of ways and its versatility constantly surprises her.
“Whether it’s clarifying a difficult concept, summarising lengthy topics or helping me practise with exam-style questions, AI has become my go-to assistant. When I struggle to understand something, I simply ask an AI tool on my phone to explain it in simpler terms, and it often provides insights that textbooks or even teachers sometimes miss,” she says.
Parents: from parenting tips to party planning
“Parenting today feels like a maze,” says Isha Choure, 32, from Mumbai.
With AI, she simplifies decisions about school boards, organises baby announcements, and even plans themed birthday parties.
“AI saves me time and sanity,” she adds. “I primarily use ChatGPT, and occasionally Claude AI. Depending on the task, I switch between my phone and laptop. With my daughter now ready to start school, AI has been my go-to for simplifying concepts. It gives me a clear view of the pros and cons, so I can make decisions confidently.
“When I’m stuck at a crossroads, I type and order ChatGPT to break the situation into a SWOT analysis or a pros-and-cons list. It’s great for adding structure to my thought process and when I use these tools, it’s like chatting with a really smart but non-judgemental friend,” she says.
New mother Vriti Khurana, 25, from Uttarakhand says AI has been a game-changer.
“I'm a new mom to a 10-month-old, and sometimes juggling everything feels overwhelming. However, using AI has been a game-changer. It helps me find healthy recipes, create personalized care plans, and organise baby-related tasks, saving me time and energy. With tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini on my phone it's easier to give them situations and find solutions.
“I find homely remedies and tailor solutions that work best. AI also provides valuable parenting tips. AI has made my motherhood journey easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable,” she says.
Seniors: Embracing AI with wisdom and wit
“AI is like a tech-savvy grandkid who doesn’t raid my fridge,” says Ishravati Agrahari, 78, from Gorakhpur.
From reminding her about medications to playing old classics, AI has become her digital partner. Her grandkids may argue, but AI pulls up facts faster than they can Google.
“My voice assistant tools like Alexa keep me organised by reminding me to take my medications, watering my plants, and even setting my favorite TV shows to record,” she says. “It’s also great for playing my favourite old classics whenever I’m in the mood to reminisce. On lazy afternoons, I entertain myself by asking quirky questions just to see its quirky replies. Who knew a gadget could be so helpful and amusing at the same time?"
She says AI helps her remember doctor appointments, find recipes for her grandkids’ favorite treats and even cracks jokes to keep her entertained.
“Honestly, I don’t know how I managed before it became a part of my life.” she says.
Gita Banerjee, 84 from Hooghly district. Says her son installed ChatGPT on her smartphone.
“I found it extremely fascinating. I open it and through the search option type my required information and get my all query. I often search for my favourite devotional songs & they respond with immense accuracy and details,” she says.
Homemakers: Multitasking with a dash of humour
“AI handles everything from meal planning to keeping my kids entertained,” says Anita G, 50, a homemaker from Uttar Pradesh.
She said that her favourite is an AI recipe assistant that saves her during unexpected dinner parties.
“Alexa even tries to teach me fitness routines,” she says. “At times I remind the AI tool that lifting groceries is enough cardio!”
Reeta Bhagat, 54, homemaker from Adityapur in Jharkhand, says she uses AI via Google AI assistant on her phone and tablet.
“This completely fits into my day, helping me track my family’s dietary preferences while planning meals. ChatGPT suggests cost-saving deals on essentials via my phone, and I even use AI while playing calming music during busy mornings to enjoy my big cup of tea with my Alexa,” she says.
“It helps me plan meals by analysing what’s already in the pantry, suggests the quickest cleaning hacks for stubborn stains, and even reminds me about family and friends' birthdays. It’s become more than a tool; it’s a reliable assistant that understands my daily challenges and makes life easier," she adds.
Retirees: Staying active and informed
“After retiring from the Indian Railways, I thought my life would slow down like a train pulling into the last station. But AI tools like ChatGPT have kept things running smoothly,” says Anil Agrahari, 65, from Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh.
“My voice assistant application on the phone reminds me of everything, from doctor appointments to watering the plants. It even plays old Kishore Kumar hits while I enjoy my evening tea. I use AI to relive my railway days by reading more about tech developments in locomotives,” he says.
“My grandkids think I’m a phone wizard now!”
Entrepreneurs: Scaling new heights with AI
Ravi K Ranjan, 37, from Kolkata, uses over 10 AI tools, both free and paid, in his startup. He’s also building an AI-powered matchmaking algorithm for startups and investors.
“AI creates hyper-personalised matches at scale,” he says. “Ever since I was introduced to Open AI, my business and lives have never been the same. With my new startup which is currently in stealth mode I use Dall E- for correct image search, Code Co-pilot for getting basic coding help response, Google Gemini for inbox analysis and many more such applications on laptop and phone.”
Business owners: Productivity meets innovation
Chandra Prakash Agrahari, 55, runs a dry fruit business in Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh.
“Chat GPT has turned into my unexpected business partner, minus the salary demands! AI helps me analyse sales and even suggests trending products to stock up on. The best part? It never asks for coffee breaks or complains about long hours,” he says.
“If only AI could haggle with suppliers, I’d officially call it my MVP!”
Nikhil Parmar, 32, ceo & founder of Impactful Pitch from Gujarat, also uses AI.
“As the founder of an early-stage startup, managing a small team while chasing big goals can be challenging but AI has been a game-changer,” he says.
“I also use paid tools like Zapier and Make.com on work devices to automate workflows like syncing data and managing emails, saving hours of manual effort. Tools like ChatGPT support content creation, brainstorming, and refining communication. For design, Canva and Figma simplify creating marketing materials and interfaces.”
Corporate professionals: enhancing efficiency
Charvi Khurana, 23, a private sector employee from Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, says AI has transformed her work life. “It streamlines task planning and identifies patterns,” she says.
“I regularly use tools like Grammarly and QuillBot for content, Microsoft Designer and Canva’s AI tools for presentations, and Zapier to automate processes in Excel and PowerPoint. Whether on my phone or laptop, these tools enable a seamless workflow, allowing me to prioritise creativity and strategy,” she says.
