What is your AI-dentity? Here is a somewhat novel, wAI to find out!

Fasten your seat belt . . . 

Try this prompt with your favorite AI-mate: "in 50 words, describe me!" Simply that, nothing more. It will be  . . . revealing. Here is what I got initially: 

"Curious, tech-savvy retired educator in Chattanooga, you blend language teaching skill with AI literacy, digital security expertise, and entrepreneurial energy. You run, explore culture, create content, and champion legal and identity protection, especially for seniors and internationals, while constantly experimenting with AI tools in daily learning and teaching."

Wikipedia

I liked that, but then I followed up with this: 

"That sounds a little too much like you are my agent. Recast that speaking directly to me, no one else, confidentially, being as realistic and frank as possible, especially in terms of my potential and limitations. Keep that within about 500 words."

Here's what I got (for starters) Bracing, but useful . . . .

You are an unusually high‑agency 82‑year‑old who still thinks, writes, and learns at a level many mid‑career professionals never quite reach, and you know it. You are also keenly aware that age, energy, and tech shifts impose real limits on what you can build alone, especially commercially.

And four sections followed. Here are just the headers, not the full content. Each was about 100 words in length. (Be happy to send you that material as well upon request, of course.) 

## How I actually see you ## Your real strengths ## Your limits and friction points ## Your potential, framed plainly

## Potential ways forward . . .

Q.E.D.

wracton@gmail.com

www.williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com

AI: The “scary” tool that’s already helping you (maybe even more than you think)

Caveat emptier: This post was drafted with help from an AI assistant (Perplexity)— but ideated and edited extensively by the human, Bill Acton.

Let’s be honest—AI has a bit of a PR problem.

Norwegian Sci Tech News

Depending on what you’ve read lately, it’s either going to take your job, steal your identity, or become your new robot overlord by Thursday. No wonder some folks are keeping it at arm’s length.

But here’s the twist: you’re probably already using AI… and liking it.

• That eerily accurate GPS rerouting you around traffic? AI.  
• Your email quietly tossing junk into spam? AI.  
• Spotify or Netflix somehow reading your mind after a long day? Yep—AI again.

So before we label it “the problem,” it might be worth noticing—it’s already part of the solution.

Think of AI less like a threat and more like a really fast, slightly nerdy assistant who never sleeps and doesn’t need coffee breaks.

You can ask it to:

• - Help write or clean up an email (especially those “how do I say this nicely?” messages)
• - Break down a confusing topic into plain English  
• - Brainstorm ideas when you’re stuck  
• - Save you time on routine tasks that used to take way too long

It won’t replace your judgment or life experience—but it can make both more effective.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, there are risks. Scams are getting smarter. Misinformation exists. And like any powerful tool, AI can be misused.

But here’s the key point: avoiding AI doesn’t protect you from those risks—understanding it does.

It’s a bit like refusing to use a smartphone because scams exist. The safer path isn’t opting out—it’s learning the basics so you can spot trouble and stay ahead of it.

And there’s another angle people don’t talk about enough: confidence.

The world is changing fast. AI is becoming part of everyday work, communication, and decision-making. The people who feel most comfortable in this new landscape won’t be the ones who ignored it—they’ll be the ones who took a little time to explore it.

• No technical degree required.
• Just curiosity.
• Start simple. Ask it a question. Let it help you write something. Use it to untangle a problem you’ve been putting off.

Worst case? You waste five minutes. Best case? You discover a tool that saves you hours—and maybe even makes life a little easier.

AI isn’t here to replace you. It’s here to help you… and it’s surprisingly good at it.

Even if it still can’t figure out why we walk into a room and forget why we went there.

Two free courses I'd recommend: 

“Generative AI for Everyone” – DeepLearning.AI (Coursera)

• Audience: Everyday users, no technical background needed.
• Focus: What generative AI is, what it can and can’t do, simple real-life use cases, and basic “how to think about it” guidance.
• Time: About 3 hours, self‑paced, can be audited completely free (they only charge if someone wants a certificate).

“Introduction to Generative AI” – Google Cloud

• Audience: Absolute beginners; very friendly for non‑technical adults.
• Focus: Plain‑English explanation of generative AI, how it differs from traditional AI, and a tour of common tools and use cases.
• Time: Roughly 30 minutes plus a short video and quiz, so it feels like a “coffee break” course instead of homework

wracton@gmail.com

williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com 
         (for scam protection and legal support when itstill does happen)