From Fear to Curiosity: A Sweet Moment with AI in Class

There is always a quiet buzz before class begins. Coffee cups in hand, a little laughter across the tables, and the familiar energy of people ready to learn something new together.

Last week during our Passwords Made Simple class, that gentle buzz turned into something unforgettable!

We began with the basics—simple steps for creating stronger, safer passwords. But as often happens in our sessions, curiosity took us somewhere unexpected. The conversation turned toward artificial intelligence, a subject that felt overwhelming to many in the room.

“That stuff scares me! I have no clue what it is doing!”

one participant exclaimed, and others nodded in agreement. It was an honest reflection of what many people feel when faced with technology that seems unfamiliar.

Rather than let the fear linger, we explored it together. We opened ChatGPT and encouraged the group to ask any question at all. At first, there was only quiet hesitation. Then, one brave participant spoke up:

“When is the best time to plant bombshell roses?”

Within seconds, ChatGPT responded "Now is the perfect season in Raleigh to plant roses, since cooler fall temperatures help them take root safely."

The room filled with gasps, then laughter, and finally applause!

One woman smiled and said, “I never thought I would be excited about a computer answering me, but this feels like magic.”

The best moment was still to come. ChatGPT followed up kindly, asking if they had more gardening questions. Suddenly the group leaned in, smiling as they decided which flower to ask about next. What began as fear had transformed into curiosity, and then into joy!

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If you want to try what we did, open ChatGPT and ask it a question about your own interests—gardening, cooking, sports, or a favorite hobby. You might be surprised at how quickly the answers feel useful.

This is what digital confidence looks like. It is not about knowing every detail or mastering technology overnight. It is about discovering together, one small step at a time, and realizing that technology can be a bridge instead of a barrier.

At GOLD, these moments remind us why we exist. Technology should never feel like a closed door. With the right support, it becomes an open path to safety, connection, and joy.

We invite you to join us in this mission! We have several classes on our schedule in the weeks ahead, each designed to empower older adults with practical tools and confidence in today’s digital world. You can find all of our upcoming sessions right on our website at www.live-gold.org/events

And remember—every like, share, follow, and repost helps us reach someone who could benefit from our work. Together, we can help more people move from fear to curiosity, and from curiosity to joy.