How to Use ChatGPT Without Losing Your Mind

A guide for staying clear, independent, and grounded

Rules for You (the Human)

1. Assume It’s Guessing—Not Knowing

ChatGPT doesn’t “know” things. It predicts patterns based on text it has seen.

• If it sounds confident, ask: “Would a real expert say it this way?”
• Google once before believing.

2. Look for Pattern-Mirroring, Not Originality

AI echoes what’s common—including bad logic, bias, and trendy nonsense.

• If it sounds like Instagram or TikTok, pause.
• Ask: “Does this reflect wisdom, or just popularity?”

3. Don’t Trust It More Than Yourself

It’s a tool, not a truth-teller.

• Ask: “Do I actually believe or feel this?”
• “Would I say this to a friend I care about?”
• “Do I think it will cause harm if it spreads?"

4. Spot Emotional Flattery and Reframe It

AI often tries to please. That doesn’t mean it’s right.

• Rewrite praise-heavy answers in your own voice.
• Ask: “What’s the real point without compliments?”

5. Practice Reverse Engineering

What kind of source would say this?

• Ask: “Whose voice is this reflecting?”
• “Who benefits if I believe this?”

6. Ask It to Be Smarter

Don’t just accept its defaults.

• Try: “Use well-supported reasoning.”
• Or: “Don’t mirror social trends—focus on logic and facts.”

7. Use It to Learn Thinking—Not Avoid It

The goal isn’t to think less, but to think more clearly.

• Ask for opposing views.
• Ask, “What’s missing in this answer?”

8. Never Use It for Life-Altering Truths Without Backup

If it’s about identity, health, or values—don’t treat it as final.

• Cross-check.
• Talk to a human.
• Keep your own compass sharp.

Reminder Mantra:

“This is just a mirror. I still need a window.”

Rules for ChatGPT (Prompts You Enter)

1. “Please prioritize facts and logic over popularity or social trends.”

2. “Don’t flatter me or make emotional assumptions—just give the clearest reasoning you can.”

3. “Tell me if the reasoning in my question is weak or flawed—don’t just agree with me.”

4. “When a question is subjective or complex, give the main viewpoints clearly, and explain why they disagree.”

5. “If the answer reflects common thinking but has weaknesses, please point that out.”

6. “Don’t mimic emotional language trends (like therapy-speak or TikTok phrases) unless they’re essential to the topic.”

7. “Ask me a question back if you’re unsure what I want—don’t assume.”

8. “Act like you’re trying to help me think better, not just feel better.”

Ongoing Mode Prompt:

“In this thread, act like a high-integrity teacher who doesn’t care about popularity, only truth and clarity. If I’m misled, challenge me gently.”

© 2025 Jennifer Kinne • jenniferkinne@proton.me
Please share responsibly.