AI in Everyday Life: How to spot it and Use it Better

ALSO: AI in Your Daily Life: Smart Tools Hiding in Plain Sight

Author

Ijeoma Ndu
August 07, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Dear Techies,

AI is not just something for techies or developers, it is quietly improving your everyday life, one task at a time.

From the moment you wake up to the time you wind down, artificial intelligence is helping you sleep better, commute smarter, write faster, and even shop more efficiently. Most of us do not even realize it!

This week, you will learn how to recognize AI in your daily routine and how to use it with more intention.

☀️ Morning Routine

  • Wake-Up Smarter

Smart alarms and sleep tracking apps use AI to gently wake you during light sleep, not deep REM.

Try it: Explore apps like Sleep Cycle or use built-in sleep insights on your phone.

  • Digital Assistants

“Hey Google” or “Alexa” is not voice magic, it is AI organizing your day. They give you weather and reminders using your voice.

Try this: Set reminders, get weather updates, or create your shopping list hands-free. Say “Hey Siri, what’s the weather today?”

🚗 Travel Smarter

  • Navigation Apps

Beat Traffic with AI. Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze suggest faster routes and adjust your route based on real-time traffic powered by AI.

Next time: Notice how it reroutes you based on changing road conditions.

  • Smarter Public Transit

Many transit systems now use AI to optimize schedules based on rider data.

Tip: Check for real-time updates in your local transit app.

💻 Work Smarter not Harder

  • Email Filters & Smart Replies

Gmail uses AI to sort spam and offer one-click replies. Boost your productivity using smart email filters and replies. You will have less clutter and more clarity.

Try: Use Smart Reply to answer common emails in seconds.

  • Writing Tools

Grammarly improves your writing with real-time grammar and tone feedback.

Explore: Add it to your browser to enhance emails, blog posts, and even tweets.

  • Task Management

Tools like Trello, Asana, and Notion use AI features to automate deadlines and prioritize tasks.

Bonus: Try their built-in AI assistants and automation features to save time.

🌙 Relax and Unwind

  • Entertainment Recommendations

Netflix and Spotify suggest shows and playlists based on your preferences.

Notice: Your recommendations change as your tastes shift because AI is paying attention.

  • Smart Shopping

E-commerce platforms suggest products based on your behaviour and interests.

Watch: See how Amazon’s homepage changes with your browsing history.

  • Smart Homes

From smart lights to thermostats, AI makes your home:

  • more energy efficient

  • more comfortable.

The thermostats, lights, and security systems adapt to your habits to save energy and add comfort.

Try: Set a routine for lights or heating with your smart home app.

😴 Power Down with Support

  • Sleep & Relaxation Apps

Apps like Calm or Headspace personalize sleep stories, meditations, and breathing exercises using AI.

Explore: Test out a sleep aid app that learns from your responses.

⚠️ Common PitFalls

Do not just use AI, use it wisely

  • Update your tools regularly – New AI features roll out all the time

  • Customize Settings – Personalize your experience for better results

  • Know Your Privacy Rights – Always check what data you’re sharing

  • Use Critical Thinking – AI assists; you still make the final call

🚀 What You Can Do Today

  • Try one new AI-powered app this week

  • Review the privacy settings on your most-used tools

  • Share this issue with a friend curious about AI

AI is already part of your day. Now it is time to use it with confidence.

Recognize where AI shows up, harness it wisely, and bring your own judgment and creativity to the mix.

See you next week.

Your Tech Partner,
Ijeoma Ndu, PhD

P.S. Did you know I wrote a book? Tech Savvy Starts Here is available on Amazon—a practical, engaging guide for families and educators helping kids build confidence with technology. Check it out here.

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🧠 Keep learning. | 💬 Keep questioning. | 💥 Keep growing.