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guaranteed. Last year, OpenAI experi- mented with making users’ chat logs (records of their online conversations) discoverable in Google searches, com- pletely unbeknownst to the users. The company also launched a health feature earlier this year, but, as reported by Time magazine, the feature’s ser- vices are not subject to HIPAA. The United States still lacks the type of data protection laws that have become com- monplace around the world, and as with anything online, chatbots are at risk of hacks and data breaches. AI-generated images and videos are increasingly commonplace online. The current tools make it possible for any- one to create images and videos so real- istic that it’s often no longer possible to discern what’s real fromwhat’s AI. Much of AI-generated content is harmless, although some of it is the low-quality, low-effort, high-volume material referred to as AI slop. And an increasing amount is created to spread false information and deceive people about current events. So operating with a strong sense of skepticism is import- ant as you analyze the media in your feeds. What’s Next? Tech companies are fervently working to develop AI agents—software systems that can take action on your behalf, sometimes autonomously. Instead of just using AI to help you plan your next vacation, imagine AI doing it fully on its own, even using your credit card to book your flight and hotel for you. Future AI agents could take the “chief of staff” role to the next level, handling your emails, scheduling meetings, adding them to your calen- dar, and setting reminders. It’s the next step to potentially creating the kind of true AI assistant that has been a staple of sci-fi for decades. Overall, though, it’s a common sen- timent in the tech industry that no one honestly can predict how AI technol- ogy will evolve. The most important thing to know is that nothing about AI is inevitable. It’s being created by peo- ple, and we get to decide whether or not to use it, trust it and regulate it. Bottom line: Becoming familiar with AI is the first step to being able to help shape the role it has in all of our lives. Even though I’ve spent a decade track- ing developments in the field, I’m no superuser—and you don’t have to be either. The way I’ve been exploring AI is to start small—and this is also my part- ing advice. See where it can simplify complex or mundane tasks or help you enhance your creativity. Remain discerning about where AI actually helps you, and where it intro- duces too much risk. And consider what you actually like doing yourself and don’t want to off-load to AI tools. You’re in the driver’s seat. may 2026 | readersdigest.com.au 59