Module 17: Using AI for Research

What you will learn: How to use AI tools like Siri, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini to find information, ask better questions, check whether answers are accurate, protect your privacy, and know when to call a professional instead.

1. What Is AI Research?

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are programmes that can answer questions, explain things, and have a back-and-forth conversation with you — like texting a very knowledgeable friend who never gets impatient. They are not magic, they are not alive, and they do not always get things right. But used wisely, they can be genuinely helpful.

The Main AI Tools You May Encounter

• Siri — built into every iPhone and iPad. Tap the small circle at the bottom of the screen or say "Hey Siri." Best for quick questions, setting reminders, making calls, and playing music.
• ChatGPT — a free tool at chat.openai.com. Best for detailed explanations, writing help, recipes, and longer conversations.
• Google Gemini — built into Google Search and available at gemini.google.com. Best if you already use Google and want AI answers alongside regular search results.
• Alexa — Amazon's voice assistant. Found on Amazon Echo smart speakers. Best for home control (lights, timers, weather) and quick spoken questions.

2. Asking AI Good Questions

The better your question, the better the answer. You do not need special knowledge — just write the way you would speak to another person.

Examples of Good Questions to Ask AI

• "What is a simple recipe for lentil soup that takes less than an hour?"
• "Can you explain what a blood pressure reading of 140/90 means in plain language?"
• "What are good questions to ask my pharmacist about drug interactions?"
• "What is the history of Woodstock, Ontario?"
• "Help me write a birthday message for my granddaughter who is turning 16."

Tips for Getting Better Answers

• Add "in simple terms" or "for someone who is not a doctor" to health questions
• If the answer is too long, type: "Can you give me a shorter version?"
• If the answer is confusing, type: "Can you explain that with an example?"
• You can ask follow-up questions in the same conversation — the AI remembers what you asked before
• Specify your location when it matters: "in Ontario" or "in Canada" for local information

3. Checking What AI Tells You

AI tools can make mistakes. They sometimes give outdated information, invent facts (this is called "hallucination"), or misunderstand your question. That does not mean they are useless — it means you should treat their answers the way you would treat advice from a friend: helpful, but worth a second opinion.

Where to Double-Check Important Information

• Health questions: canada.ca/health, Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org), or your pharmacist
• Government benefits: canada.ca or Service Canada (1-800-277-9914)
• Local news and events: your local newspaper's website
• Legal or financial questions: always consult a professional — AI is not a replacement for a lawyer or financial adviser

Warning Signs That an AI Answer May Be Wrong

• The answer gives a very specific phone number, address, or dollar amount — always verify these independently
• The answer sounds too alarming or too reassuring about a health symptom
• The AI seems very certain about something it could not possibly know (like what will happen in the future)
• The answer says "as of my last update" or "my training data" — this means it may not have current information

4. Health Information and AI

Many people use AI to research health topics — and that is completely understandable. AI can explain medical words in plain language, help you think of questions for your doctor, and give you a general sense of what a condition or medication involves. But there are clear limits.

Good Uses of AI for Health

• Ask AI to explain a medical term your doctor used that you did not fully understand
• Use AI to prepare a list of questions before a doctor's appointment
• Ask about general side effects of a medication (then verify with your pharmacist)
• Get a plain-language summary of a health condition after your diagnosis

When AI Is Not Enough — Call a Professional

• You have a new or worsening symptom — call Telehealth Ontario free: 1-866-797-0000
• You are considering stopping or changing a medication
• You have chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden confusion, or severe pain — call 911
• You want to know if a treatment or supplement is right for your specific situation

5. Protecting Your Privacy with AI

When you type something into an AI tool, that information is sent to a company's computer servers. The company may store your conversation for months or years and may use it to improve their AI. This is normal — but it means you should be thoughtful about what you share.

Never Share These Things with AI

• Your full name combined with your address, phone number, or birthdate
• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or health card number (OHIP)
• Banking details, credit card numbers, or online banking passwords
• Your daily routine or when your home is empty
• Passwords or PIN numbers of any kind

Safe Ways to Ask Personal Questions

Instead of typing "I take 10mg of metformin and my doctor is Dr. Smith at St. Thomas hospital," type: "What are the general side effects of metformin?" You get the same useful answer without sharing personal details.

6. Helpful AI Tools for Everyday Life

Once you are comfortable with the basics, AI can be a genuinely handy helper for all sorts of everyday tasks. Here are some ideas to try.

Practical Things to Try With AI

• "Write a birthday card message for my brother who loves fishing and turning 70."
• "Translate this sentence into French: How do I get to the pharmacy?"
• "What are good indoor plants for a sunny Ontario apartment that are hard to kill?"
• "Suggest some easy chair exercises for someone with knee pain."
• "Help me write an email to my landlord asking about a repair that has not been fixed."
• "What is the difference between RRSP and TFSA in Canada?" (then verify with your bank or a financial adviser)
• "What are good day trips from London, Ontario for a senior who loves history?"

Using Siri on Your iPad Every Day

• "Hey Siri, set a timer for 20 minutes."
• "Hey Siri, call my daughter."
• "Hey Siri, what is the weather in St. Thomas today?"
• "Hey Siri, remind me at 3pm to take my medication."
• "Hey Siri, how do I get to the Elgin County Library?"