Keep It Real: The Right Way to Use AI (and Spot the Wrong Way)

Introduction

If you’ve been following my recent adventures with AI—whether in the kitchen, tracking my health goals, or my not-so-secret sports bromance—you already know I’m a fan. I believe AI can enhance our lives in powerful and practical ways. But just like every other breakthrough in human history, AI is a double-edged sword. Used well, it’s a genius assistant. Used poorly—or worse, unethically—it becomes a menace.

And that’s where today’s story begins.

Background

Technology has always come with a warning label: “Handle with care.” Fire cooks your food—or burns down your house. Cars take you cross-country—or into a ditch. AI? Same deal.

AI isn’t inherently good or evil. It’s a tool. The result depends entirely on the hands (and minds) that wield it.

Now, I’ve written before about how I use AI in fun, smart ways—like crafting recipes with my Ninja Creami Deluxe or building a fitness plan that works with my busted back and knees. It’s been my daily sous-chef, wellness coach, even my DJ.

But this past week reminded me that not everyone uses AI responsibly—or even honestly.

The Danger of Digital Deception

Let’s talk about two real-life cautionary tales.

Case #1: “Brad Pitt” and the $850K Lie

A woman was contacted online by someone claiming to be the mother of Brad Pitt. Dying of cancer. Desperate to connect. AI-generated photos. AI-generated voice. AI-generated sob story. Hook, line, and sinker—she fell for it. She left her millionaire husband, handed over $850,000 to “Brad,” and only later discovered it was all fake. Every message, every photo, every whisper of romance? AI-crafted manipulation.

Case #2: Using AI to enhance their dating profile and conversation

Another person used AI to enhance their dating site conversations to attract first dates. Unfortunately, once they showed up in person, things went astray. A waste of everyone time and money.

These aren’t just outliers. These are the kinds of scams that have evolved throughout history—AI just made them faster, slicker, and harder to spot.

So, What’s the Lesson Here?

Two big takeaways:

1. Validate Everything. When in doubt, search. Reverse image search, request live proof, cross-check sources. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is—or it’s AI wearing a mask.

2. Don’t Use AI to Be Someone You’re Not.

   Want to improve your writing? Great—AI can help. But it won’t turn you into Hemingway if you’re still learning your grammar basics.

   Want to cook better? AI can offer five-star recipes, but it won’t stop your pasta from sticking.

   And in dating? AI can maybe help with your profile, but it won’t help you keep the spark alive in person—unless you’ve somehow wired GPT into your vocal cords (and even then, good luck on the second date).

The old Cyrano de Bergerac playbook—letting someone else do the talking—might’ve worked with a balcony and some moonlight. But in today’s world? If you’re using AI to rewrite your dating bio or answer questions that ‘”aren’t you,” by ghostwriting your flirty banter? You’re setting yourself up for disappointment—or worse, a lawsuit.

Because guess what? The real you always shows up. And if the gap between your AI-curated self and your real-life personality is too wide, that curtain’s going to drop fast.

Use AI Authentically—or Risk Getting Burned

Dating sites use engagement algorithms to find your “perfect match.” If you’ve used AI to curate your interests, fine-tune your bio, and write messages you’d never naturally say—then your perfect match is falling for someone who doesn’t actually exist.

That’s not just misleading. It’s self-sabotage.

Here’s my rule of thumb: It’s perfectly okay to use AI to become a better version of yourself. But it’s not okay to use AI to become someone you aren’t—and never could be—without it. That’s not enhancement. That’s deception.

And it’s not just about romance. Business scams, phishing emails, deepfake videos—AI is being used in clever and criminal ways. So while you’re learning how to use it for good, be equally vigilant about spotting when someone else is using it for bad.

Ask questions. Demand proof. See if they’ll meet in person, show live samples, or source-check their claims. Scammers hate transparency.

Sure, it feels satisfying when one of these fraudsters finally gets caught. But that victory’s hollow if you’re already divorced, broke, or broken-hearted.

Call to Action: Use It—But Use It Wisely

Look, I’m not here to scare you away from AI. I’m here to encourage you to use it more. Use it in your daily life. Test it. Tinker with it. Explore its limits.

But don’t hand over your common sense in the process.

The more you use AI thoughtfully, the more it becomes your ally. You’ll learn how to spot the fakes. You’ll know when something’s off. You’ll become smarter, not just more efficient.

So, by all means, keep using AI. Just keep it real.

Upcoming Blogs and Other Resources

In future posts, I’ll share more ways I’m using AI in practical—and safe—ways.

Got questions or a story of your own? Drop a comment. Or let me know if you’ve seen AI used in ways that blew your mind—or broke your heart.

Stay smart. Stay human. And use AI to be a better you—not a faker version of someone else.

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