ChatGPT, much more than a search engine
In recent months, I have been receiving more and more emails and messages from readers curious about the world of artificial intelligence. In the vast majority of cases, the questions revolve around a single name: ChatGPT. There are those who already use it, those who have only heard of it, and those who would like to understand how to benefit from it in their daily lives […]
In recent months, I have been receiving more and more emails and messages from readers who are curious about the world of artificial intelligence. In the vast majority of cases, the questions revolve around a single name: ChatGPT. There are those who already use it, those who have only heard of it, and those who want to understand how to benefit from it in their daily lives. One thing is certain: for many people, ChatGPT has become the new Google. But saying this is already an understatement. It's a bit like saying a Ferrari is for going grocery shopping. Yes, it can do it, but it's designed for much more.
ChatGPT is not a search engine; it is conversational artificial intelligence. It doesn't just provide links or indexed results. It answers, reflects, writes, translates, and creates. It's like having a virtual assistant capable of adapting to the user's request, tone, and even personality. But to get the best out of it, you have to know how to use it.
The key: personalization
The first piece of advice I always give to those who want to experiment with ChatGPT is this: give it a persona. Don't talk to "artificial intelligence" in the abstract, but tell it who it should be for you.
A practical example? If I need legal advice, I won't write "What are the rules for a rental contract?". Instead, I will write:
"You are a civil lawyer from Canton Ticino, with twenty years of experience in contract law and full mastery of Swiss legislation. I need precise advice on..."
In this way, the AI will adapt its language, level of detail, and perspective. It's not magic, but intelligent contextualization. It is an extremely powerful tool, but it must be properly instructed.
It works for everything: medicine, communication, writing, translations, business management. Just tell it who it needs to be, and it will speak to you like a specialist.
It doesn't replace humans, it empowers them
It's worth clarifying: ChatGPT does not replace the lawyer, the doctor, or the teacher. But it can become a valuable ally, a support for gathering ideas, verifying information, and developing content. The difference compared to the past is that it doesn't just provide reading material: it develops it with us, interactively.
This is why it is a tool that many professionals have started integrating into their daily work.
But it can also be useful for personal use: writing a formal letter, preparing a presentation, summarizing a document, or simplifying a technical text. All within seconds.
An accessible revolution
The beauty of it is that no technical skills are needed to use ChatGPT. All you need is an internet connection and a clear idea of what you want to achieve. It is one of the most accessible tools that artificial intelligence has ever offered to the general public.
Of course, like any powerful technology, it must be used with discretion and a critical mind. Not everything it generates is gospel, and human judgment remains fundamental.
If anyone wishes to approach ChatGPT in a more structured way, including for professional reasons, I would be happy to put them in touch with some of the leading experts in the sector in our canton. Today, there are local entities that study and apply these technologies in different fields: legal, educational, corporate, and healthcare. Artificial intelligence is not the future. It is already here. And knowing how to use it well, today, can make a huge difference.