What This Is
Step 0 is for those who are aware of AI but haven't started actively using it. Maybe you've heard the hype. Maybe you've seen the warnings. Maybe you've tried it once and weren't impressed, or tried it and were unsettled. Whatever brought you here, you're carrying some mix of curiosity and caution. That's completely reasonable. This step is about acknowledging where you are and deciding to take one small step forward.
Why It Matters
The world is changing. AI is becoming embedded in more of the tools we use, the companies we work for, and the decisions being made around us. Staying on the sidelines doesn't protect you from AI's impact—it just means you won't have a voice in how it's used. Engaging with AI—even cautiously, even critically—gives you informed opinions instead of inherited fears. You can have concerns AND learn AI. Both can be true.
Common Concerns (That Are Legitimate)
"AI will take my job"
This is a real concern for many industries. AI is changing job requirements and eliminating some roles while creating others.
Reality: People who understand AI will have more options than those who don't. Learning AI is career insurance.
"I don't trust it / It makes things up"
AI does make mistakes. It can "hallucinate" facts and present them confidently. This is a genuine limitation.
Reality: Healthy skepticism is good. You'll learn when to trust AI and when to verify. That's part of the skill.
"It's too complicated for me"
The technology behind AI is complex. But using AI is just typing questions in plain English.
Reality: If you can send a text message, you can use AI. The interface is a conversation.
"I'm worried about privacy and ethics"
AI raises real questions about data privacy, bias, and societal impact. These deserve serious consideration.
Reality: Informed users can make better choices about what data to share and how to use AI responsibly.
The Key Realization
You can have concerns about AI AND learn to use it. Both are true.
You don't need to become an AI cheerleader. You don't need to abandon your skepticism. You just need to get in the game—informed, cautious, and curious. The people who will shape how AI is used aren't the ones ignoring it. They're the ones who understand it well enough to have an opinion that matters.
Your Only Job Right Now
Take one small step. Open ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. Ask it something simple. See what happens. You're not committing to anything. You're not endorsing anything. You're just looking. That's enough for today.
Reframe Your Thinking
On Getting Started
"I need to understand AI before I use it"
"I'll understand AI better BY using it"
On Being Late
"Everyone else is already ahead of me"
"There's still time to get in the game"
On Concerns
"My concerns mean I shouldn't use it"
"My concerns mean I'll use it thoughtfully"
How To Take The First Step
1.
Pick One AI Tool
ChatGPT (chat.com), Claude (claude.ai), or Gemini (gemini.google.com). All are free to start.
2.
Create a Free Account
Takes 60 seconds. Use your email or Google account. No credit card needed.
3.
Ask Something Simple
"Explain AI to me like I'm skeptical but curious." See how it responds.
4.
Notice How You Feel
Did anything surprise you? Interest you? Concern you? That's data for your journey.
Pro Tips for the Hesitant
Start with something low-stakes. Ask it to explain a concept, not to write something important.
You don't have to share personal information. Ask about general topics first.
It's okay to disagree with AI's responses. That critical eye is an asset, not a barrier.
Remember: using AI once doesn't commit you to anything. You're just exploring.
If something feels wrong, trust that instinct—but investigate it instead of just walking away.
Tell AI about your skepticism: "I'm new to this and a bit skeptical. Help me understand..."
Key Insight
"The goal isn't to become an AI enthusiast. It's to become an informed participant in a world where AI exists. You can be cautious and curious at the same time. You can have concerns and still learn. The only thing you can't do is ignore AI and expect to have a voice in how it shapes your industry, your work, or your world."