The AI Generation Gap - How You Use AI Might Say More Than You Think

Why It’s Not About Age, It’s About Openness

I’ve been thinking a lot about a recent talk by Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), where he described a growing divide in how people use AI.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Most people over 35 are using AI like a better Google — ask a question, get an answer, move on.

• Meanwhile, younger users (college-age and 20s–30s) are using it like an operating system — something that holds context, assists with decision-making, and integrates across their life.

They’re not just prompting. They’re building systems. They’re asking it for advice on jobs, relationships, life paths. They’re configuring it with files and patterns and trusting it to know them.

But here’s the twist:

I’m not in that demographic. But I use AI like they do — maybe even more.

Not because I’m trying to keep up. Because I’ve seen what happens when you stop treating AI like a clever trick… and start treating it like a strategic, creative, intuitive partner.

So… how are you using AI right now?

Let’s step away from the age lens for a second.

This isn’t really about how old you are — it’s about how open you are. Some people are naturally curious. They ask better questions. They play, refine, and build. Others stay at the surface — not because they’re less intelligent, but because they haven’t seen what’s possible yet.

Here’s a quick self-check:

If your AI use looks like…

• Asking one-off questions

• Avoiding personalization or memory

• Keeping things short and transactional

…you might be staying at the surface level.

But if you’re already…

• Reusing and refining your prompts

• Letting AI help organize your thinking

• Using it to co-create strategies, content, or decisions

…you’re working with it. You’re building a relationship.

And that’s where the real transformation begins.

Want to experiment with more open-ended use? Try these prompt shifts:

• Instead of: "What’s a good social media caption for this?" Try: "You’re my content co-creator. Help me generate 3 angles for this message, aligned with my brand voice and audience goals."

• Instead of: "What’s the best way to launch a course?" Try: "You’re my strategic consultant. Ask me 5 questions to help clarify my goals and constraints so we can build the best launch plan together."

• Instead of: "What’s a good morning routine?" Try: "You’re my personal advisor. Given my goals, energy patterns, and preferences, what kind of morning rhythm would support my creativity and focus?"

The shift isn’t just in the words. It’s in the relationship you’re building with AI.

And no — you don’t have to be a tech expert. Or part of Gen Z.

You just have to be willing to explore. Curious. Creative. Open to working smarter, not harder.

Want help going deeper with this? If you're ready to use AI more strategically and intuitively in your business — I’m here for that. I’m currently booking 1:1 consults for June. 👉 Click here to inquire about consulting.

Not ready for that yet? Start with this newsletter. Each week, I share what I’m building, learning, and experimenting with — using AI not just as a tool, but as a mirror, muse, and systems thinker.

If that sounds like your vibe, stick around. Or forward this to someone who’s ready to stop treating AI like a gimmick — and start treating it like a growth partner. Subscribe or share here:

P.S. Sam Altman says AI is on track to become a “core subscription for your life.” Not just something you use, but something you live with — integrated, contextual, essential.

Let’s make sure when that future arrives… you’re already fluent in it.

See you next week!

Lisa