What AI tools know about you and best practices for protecting your privacy

AI is popping up everywhere—with ways to write your grocery lists, tell bedtime stories, and even helping you plan vacations. But it’s natural to wonder, “What’s it actually learning about me and my family?” If you’ve got questions, you’re not alone.

Here’s a breakdown of what AI tools know, how your data is handled, and some tips for using AI wisely.

What Kind of Info Do AI Tools Collect?

Different tools collect different information. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Chatbots like ChatGPT  

   • What they collect: Anything you type—your questions, prompts, and responses.

   • Where it’s stored: On secure servers owned by the company (like OpenAI).

   • Who can see it: Data may be reviewed by humans unless you turn off chat history (pro tip: you can totally do this!).

     
     

2. Image Generators like Midjourney  

   • What they collect: Your prompts, uploaded pics, and even metadata.

   • Visibility: On platforms like Discord, prompts are public by default unless you're on a private plan.

   
   

3. AI Embedded in Apps (think Notion AI, Grammarly)  

   • What they collect: Text, documents, and sometimes usage behavior.

   • Where it’s stored: Typically encrypted on company servers.

   • Who can see it: Mostly used to train models in aggregate unless you explicitly give permission.

   
   

What Should Moms Know?

Look, mama, you’re already juggling a million things. AI can be a lifesaver when it comes to lightening the load. But a little caution goes a long way.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Avoid putting sensitive info—like kids’ names, addresses, or school details—into AI tools unless the platform is secure and private.

• Anything you type could theoretically be seen by a human reviewer (even though it’s unlikely).

• Some tools, like ChatGPT, offer chat history controls. Turn it off if you’re working on anything personal or private.

5 Best Practices for Protecting Your Privacy

Want to stay in control? Follow these easy tips:

1. Turn off Chat History in ChatGPT when discussing anything sensitive.

   (Settings > Data Controls > Chat History & Training)  

2. Skip the personal identifiers (no full names, addresses, or other private details unless you know the platform is encrypted).

3. Stick to reputable tools. If it’s free, ask yourself—how’s the company making money? (Hint: It might be your data).

4. Keep sensitive stuff offline. For journaling, family records, or anything deeply personal, use offline tools or encrypted apps.

5. Teach the kids about AI safety too. If your tween is experimenting with AI art or chatbots, make sure they know what’s okay to share.

   
   

Should You Be Worried?

Nope! Just aware.

Think of AI as any other tool—it can help or hurt depending on how you use it. A hammer can build a house or smash a window, right? Same deal here.

Keep using AI to help with party planning, pen heartfelt letters to your kids, or streamline your life. Just sprinkle in a little digital common sense, and you’re golden.

You’ve got this, mama.