Here's something most people don't realise: you can try AI right now, in your browser, without creating an account. Let's do it in the next few minutes.
Option 1: ChatGPT without an account
Go to chat.openai.com. You'll see a chat box straight away — you can type a message without logging in. OpenAI will nudge you to sign up after a few messages, but you can dismiss that and keep going for a while.
Option 2: Perplexity, no login needed
Go to perplexity.ai. Type any question — it works like a search engine but explains things in plain sentences. No account required, ever, for basic use.
What should I actually type?
The first thing many people type is something they'd normally Google. Try that. Ask it to explain something you've been confused about, help plan something, or rewrite a message you've been procrastinating on.
First message ideas: "Explain [something confusing at work] like I'm new" · "Help me reply to this email: [paste it]" · "What's a good dinner I can make with chicken, rice, and whatever's in the fridge?"
Safe to ignore for now: accounts give you conversation history and access to more features — but you don't need them to see what AI can do. Try first, sign up later if you want to.
I need to [write / reply to / plan] something but I'm not sure where to start. Here's the situation: [describe it in one sentence] Give me a first draft I can work from.