What an AI assistant can—and can’t—do

Content checked against the listed guidance on November 5, 2026.

AI is useful for drafts, explanations and options.

Confidence and fluent writing do not guarantee accuracy.

You are responsible for checking and deciding what to use.

Think of it as a drafting partner, not an authority

A generative AI assistant produces new text, images or other material in response to a request. It is useful for getting a first draft, finding a simpler way to phrase an idea, listing possible approaches or turning notes into a starting outline.

That does not mean it knows you, understands a situation the way a person does, or checks every claim before answering. A polished paragraph is not proof that the details are right.

Where it can help

Use AI for a first pass on tasks where you can judge the result: rewrite a note, make a checklist, explain a familiar topic in simpler language, or suggest questions to ask. You stay in charge of the goal and the final decision.

Give it context that is safe to share, say who the answer is for, and describe what a useful result looks like. If the first response misses, ask for one specific change.

Ask for a draft or list of options rather than an unquestioned final answer.
Check names, numbers, dates, quotations and recommendations against sources you trust.
Use a qualified person for important medical, legal, financial or safety decisions.

Where it needs extra care

AI can invent facts, citations and explanations, or miss what matters in your context. It may also produce biased, incomplete or outdated material. NIST describes confidently presented false or erroneous material as a generative-AI risk.

Do not treat an AI response as a substitute for professional advice, a source document or your own judgment. When accuracy matters, verify the original information before acting or sharing.

Try this prompt

Explain [TOPIC] for someone new to it. Use plain language and one everyday example. Separate established facts from uncertainty, and tell me what I should verify.

Concrete example

Sample input

A learner asks: “Explain photosynthesis in everyday language, using one example from a houseplant.”

Illustrative output

A simple explanation might compare a leaf to a tiny food-making workshop: it uses light, water and carbon dioxide to make sugar, releasing oxygen along the way. The learner should check details against a trusted biology source.

Limitations to keep in mind

A chat assistant may produce incorrect or incomplete answers and cannot independently guarantee that its answer is current, unbiased or suitable for your situation. Use it for a draft you can judge, not as an authority or a substitute for professional advice.