How AI actually works
Language AI (like ChatGPT) is a program that has “read” a huge amount of text and learned to guess which word most likely comes next. When it writes a response, it builds it word by word, based on probability.
Two important things follow from that:
- AI doesn’t understand the world like a human does. It’s a very skilled text imitator.
- AI sometimes makes things up. When it doesn’t know the answer, it might confidently write nonsense anyway. This is called a hallucination. That’s why important things should always be double-checked!
Golden rule: AI is a helper, not a judge. Never blindly trust it on facts, homework, or health matters. And never send it personal information – yours or anyone else’s.
Show me: a prompt is an order
The text you send to AI is called a prompt. The rule is: the more precise the order, the better the meal.
A weak prompt:
Write something about soccer.A strong prompt:
You're a coach for young players. Write 5 sentences for parents
about why it's important to attend practice regularly.
Write in English, in a friendly tone, without jargon.The recipe for a good prompt:
- Role – who should AI be? (“You’re a coach…”)
- Task – what exactly do you want? (“Write 5 sentences for parents…”)
- Constraints – how should it look? (“in English, friendly, without jargon”)
Your turn 💪
Try some prompts in any AI chat (with your parents’ permission, e.g. ChatGPT or another one):
- Write a weak prompt and then a strong one on the same topic. Compare the answers.
- Try to catch AI making something up: ask about something it might invent (e.g. “When exactly was my school founded?”). Check the answer – is it correct?
- Come up with a prompt for your own project:
🏫 School website – idea
“You’re a guide for an elementary school. Answer parents’ questions about enrollment, after-school care, and the cafeteria. If you don’t know the answer, tell them to call the school office.”
🙋 Personal website – idea
“You’re my website helper. Tell visitors about my hobbies: soccer, Minecraft, baking. Answer briefly and cheerfully.”
🌍 Travel journal – idea
“You’re a travel advisor. Recommend trips around the country for families with kids. Add what to bring for each tip.”
⚽ Club website – idea
“You’re an assistant for a soccer club. Explain the rules of soccer simply, like to a ten-year-old. For offside, use an example from our own field.”
Check: You can explain how AI builds its answers, why it sometimes hallucinates, and write a prompt with a role, task, and constraints. Save the prompt for your project – you’ll use it in the chatbot lesson!
What to take away from this lesson
- AI guesses the next word – it’s an imitator, not an all-knowing oracle.
- A good prompt = role + task + constraints.
- Facts from AI need checking. Never send AI personal information.
© 2026 Ing. Martin Polak / AlgoRhino · Content usage terms