Why Your Kid Uses ChatGPT Better Than You (It's Not What You Think)
When ChatGPT exploded onto the scene, a weird thing happened.
For once, being a "digital native" didn't automatically give kids the upper hand. This wasn't about who could navigate a touchscreen faster or juggle multiple apps. No, this was different.
While adults were busy building mental firewalls, kids were quietly revolutionizing how they interact with AI. And here's the thing:
Their advantage had nothing to do with tech-savviness.
I saw this firsthand with my son Finn, a 9th grader at the time. Determined to have him learn despite the chaos, I got him a used Macbook and a ChatGPT subscription.
Finn's first reaction was a puzzled frown at the ChatGPT text box.
"How does it work?" he asked.
"Step one is figuring out how it works," I told him.
"So kinda like Fight Club."
"You watched Fight Club?"
"I watched it with you."
He thanked me for the laptop and disappeared to experiment with this mysterious "ChatGPT" thing. Two hours later, he emerged.
"Okay, I think I got it."
In that short time, Finn went from zero ChatGPT experience to figuring out use cases so impressive, I now use them in my own demonstrations. (More on this below…)
Now, listen up:
Don't you dare write this off as "Kids are just more tech-savvy!"
This has nothing to do with growing up with smartphones or being a whiz at video games.
No, what's happening here is far more fascinating – and it's something we adults could learn a lot from.
While we've spent years building up our expertise, carefully constructing mental frameworks that have served us well, kids like Finn are approaching AI with a blank slate. They're unbound by the very expertise that often holds us back when faced with paradigm-shifting technology.
It took me months to figure out what Finn grasped in hours. But now, I'm going to share it with you. Get ready to unlearn what you know and tap into the mindset that's allowing kids to excel in the world of generative AI.
Let's dive into three eye-opening insights that could transform your generative AI game:
THE BEGINNER'S MIND ADVANTAGE
Here's a counterintuitive truth: sometimes, being an expert can actually hold you back.
Why? Because when you've spent years honing your craft, you develop a set way of thinking. It's like wearing glasses that only let you see certain colors. Sure, those colors are vivid, but you're missing out on a whole spectrum.
Finn, on the other hand, approached ChatGPT with zero preconceptions. No expertise to cloud his judgment. Just pure, unbridled curiosity.
ACTION STEP: Try this "Beginner's Mind" exercise:
Pick a task in your field of expertise
Ask ChatGPT: "If you knew nothing about [your field], how would you approach this task?"
Compare the AI's fresh perspective with your seasoned approach
Blend the two for potentially groundbreaking results
THE POWER OF "WHAT IF?"
Remember when you were a kid and everything was a grand experiment? That's the mindset Finn brought to ChatGPT.
While adults often approach new tech with caution (or worse, skepticism), Finn dove in with a barrage of "What if?" questions. This open-ended curiosity led him to discover use cases I hadn't even considered.
ACTION STEP: The "What If" Challenge:
Set a timer for 5 minutes
Rapid-fire as many "What if ChatGPT could..." questions as possible
Don't judge or filter - the wilder, the better
Pick your top 3 and actually try them out
You might be surprised at what you discover!
2. LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
Here's where Finn really schooled me: he turned learning ChatGPT into a game.
While I was focused on productivity metrics, Finn was having Marvel superheroes duke it out with viruses in epic cellular battles. He was chatting with Hamlet over lattes in Brooklyn. He was exploring 1860s New York through the eyes of an immigrant.
And you know what? His retention and understanding of both the AI tool and the subjects he explored were off the charts.
ACTION STEP: The Playful Learning Project:
Choose a topic you need to learn or work on
Brainstorm 3 wildly creative ways to explore it with ChatGPT (The more outlandish, the better!)
Spend 20 minutes on your favorite idea
Reflect on what you learned about both the topic and ChatGPT's capabilities
3. THE BIG TAKEAWAY
The key to mastering generative AI isn't about being the most tech-savvy or having the most expertise. It's about cultivating a mindset of openness, curiosity, and playfulness.
By embracing the beginner's mind, asking "What if?", and injecting a healthy dose of creativity into your learning process, you'll not only become more proficient with AI tools – you might just revolutionize your entire approach to problem-solving.
So, are you ready to let out that inner child? You know you want to, people! The playground is open, and the possibilities are endless. Let's explore.
Discover my course, Generative AI for Professionals at www.conorgrennan.com/courses
Booking Conor for an Event
I’m thrilled that I get to do a ton of keynotes and lead workshops for companies. If you’re looking for a highly practical, framework based approach, feel free to reach out at www.ai-mindset.ai/speaking
