Artificial intelligence expert Zaria Zinn reveals five practical uses for ChatGPT that can help novices integrate the technology into daily tasks.
AI-Powered Tools and ChatGPT: Practical Uses by Zaria Zinn
Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools like ChatGPT are rapidly transforming the way we interact with technology, but many of us are still unaware of the multitude of ways they can simplify daily life.
A post to TikTok by 28-year-old AI expert Zaria Zinn offers five surprising and practical uses for ChatGPT that can make everyday tasks much easier—especially for AI novices. Zinn's post, shared on September 10 under the username @zaria_grace, has been viewed more than 414,000 times so far, sparking discussion about AI's practical applications and potential pitfalls.
Zinn, the founding designer at Create.xyz—an AI startup focused on helping people build software—wants to democratize AI and make it approachable for everyone. Her five ChatGPT hacks include using it to interpret long ingredient lists, generate cooking ideas, type and format notes, translate signs and menus, and draft email responses quickly.
"Many of my friends had never tried using AI, often because they did not know how accessible or useful it could be," Zinn, who is based in San Francisco, told Newsweek.
This realization inspired her to create content that is both approachable and informative. Her viral TikTok video outlines the five creative ways that she suggests using ChatGPT, offering practical tips to integrate AI into daily routines.
Zinn's Top Five ChatGPT Uses
1. Interpreting Long Ingredient Lists
Zinn suggests using ChatGPT to break down complex ingredient lists found on food packaging. By uploading an image of the ingredients, ChatGPT can provide detailed explanations of each component, helping users understand what they're consuming.
2. Generating Cooking Ideas
Not sure what to cook? Zinn recommends taking a picture of the contents of your fridge and asking ChatGPT for easy recipe suggestions. This feature can inspire new meal ideas and help reduce food waste by utilizing the ingredients you already have.
3. Typing and Formatting Notes
For students and professionals alike, Zinn highlights the usefulness of ChatGPT in taking rough notes and organizing them into well-structured documents. Simply input your handwritten or typed notes, and ChatGPT can format them neatly and coherently.
4. Translating Signs and Menus
Traveling to a foreign country can be daunting, especially when faced with language barriers. Zinn advises using ChatGPT to translate signs and menus by uploading images, making it easier to navigate and enjoy your vacation.
5. Drafting Email Responses Quickly
Zinn points out that ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for drafting quick email responses. Whether it is professional communication or personal correspondence, ChatGPT can help craft articulate and concise emails in a fraction of the time.
"I want to show that AI is not just for experts, it is for everyone," Zinn said. "AI can be really daunting, but it is a tool like any other and it is all about how you use it. I wanted people to see how taking a picture of their fridge for dinner ideas could inspire them to realize, 'Oh, maybe I can take a picture of a room for organization tips,' or imagine countless other ways they could use AI in their daily lives."
Her TikTok post has ignited conversation in the comments sections, with many users applauding Zinn's suggestions and sharing how fond they have grown of the AI-powered bot. Others have, while not shunning Zinn's hacks, expressed how concerned they feel about ChatGPT's impact on the environment.
The Environmental Impact of AI
Despite its many benefits, the use of ChatGPT and other AI technologies can have a significant environmental impact. Each search or interaction with AI models like ChatGPT consumes considerable computational power, leading to high energy consumption and planet-warming greenhouse gasses from this electricity use. The proliferating data centers that house AI servers produce electronic waste, and they are large consumers of water, which is becoming scarce in many places.
"The huge online response has been so exciting to see," Zinn said. "Hearing from people who've reached out to say they tried AI for the first time because of the post has been especially rewarding. It's amazing to know it's making a real impact."
Comments from TikTok Users
One TikTok user wrote in the comments section: "I do this all the time but I'm worried about the climate costs." Another user added: "BTW it wastes like a whole bottle of water every time you ask it something."
"If I have relationship issues, I tell it the scenario and it's actually GREAT at giving perspective and even loving tips on how to proceed," a third user wrote.
Another added: "ChatGPT was the best thing to happen to me as a grad student."
"This is next level thinking," one user posted. "Wow, I can't wait to try all of these."
"It is exciting to watch people engage deeply with AI," Zinn said. "Like any new technology, there are pros and cons, and discussions help us understand its impact and how to use it in ways that benefit everyone."
As AI's capabilities continue to grow, Zinn hopes her work and online content can demonstrate that its applications are vast and varied.
Melissa Fleur Afshar