How can I 'get up to speed' with technology?

[plantchef23]

Long story short, I work in a creative field with a lot of people younger than me. In fact almost everyone I work with is mid-twenties to early thirties. They're more recently educated from uni in creative things like digital design, photoshop, etc. None of them have children or families.

Then there's me. Early 40's with children. I enjoy working with them and being part of their team. I'm quite young at heart so we joke around and banter. But I can't help feeling like a real oldie in many of the chats because they're constantly talking knowledgeably about things like AI and ChatGPT, as well as new emerging technologies etc. They're worried for their own future careers with the introduction of this new technology and I'd like to learn more about it so I can understand the impact it does have on our future as a whole, but also just for my general knowledge. I feel like I'm living in the dark ages

Well I guess you are reading around the subject , and have tried out chatGPT for yourself?

You could have a different response to the younger generation as you have lived through a few major technological changes ?

No, I've not tried it for myself. I literally know nothing about it. Can I even try it or is it a subscription based thing? I

@plantchef23

Same age as you and work in a field related to ChatGPT.

1: it's still a bit shit, don't worry

2: it's free to play with but it does ask to confirm ID

3: do not enter any confidential information into it because it will be retained and used

4: it works on data up to 2021. It is not up to date

Maybe get comfortable with asking questions at the beginning of things. So when ChatGPT is first being talked about it’s easier to ask.
Or find a bbc article on it I guess.

Here is a link to ChatGPT. You may need to log in with a google account or set up a new ChatGPT account though.

https://chat.openai.com/

I would recommend just consuming more technology content. There are lots of news publications, podcasts etc that you can listen to. Why not ask your colleagues where they get their info from? It's likely tiktok to be honest, but they might have a good podcast recommendation.

The fact that you know about it shows you’re not so far behind
i know several 30 somethings that don’t even know a lot of this exists (for the record I’m mid 40s - and know more about new tech than some 30 somethings…)
how to get to speed, read, ask questions, tech blogs, podcasts
also, keep in mind, the younger you are, the more likely you are to think that you know everything and are an expert just because you read a couple of articles
just take your time, Google things you hear, podcasts are good to get a quick idea of buzz words and then a bit of research

Subscribe to, or even occasionally buy Wired magazine. It's fascinating anyway but will keep you up to date

@plantchef23 there are lots of digital courses you can do. Try your local collages and Council - you will be amazed at the range of courses on offer.

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/free-courses-for-jobs ( for getting into work)
https://www.futurelearn.com/career-advice/grow-your-digital-skills

I'm 55 and have had a Chat GPT account for ages.

The thing with technology is to just get in and use it.