What to never ask AI?

What You Should Never Ask an AI Assistant

As helpful as AI assistants have become—answering questions, setting reminders, playing music—there are some things you should never ask them to do. While they’re smart, they’re not infallible, and certain requests can put your safety, privacy, or even legality at risk.

1. Don’t ask for banking tasks Even if your voice assistant can transfer money or check your balance through integrations, it’s risky. These systems can be hacked, misunderstood, or accessed by someone else. Always use secure banking apps or websites instead—never rely on voice commands for sensitive transactions. 2. Don’t use them as a telephone operator Sure, AI can call someone from your contacts, but asking it to “call a plumber” or “connect me to customer service” often leads to confusion or wrong numbers. Real human operators are still better for complex or urgent calls. 3. Avoid medical advice requests Feeling unwell and tempted to ask Siri or Alexa? Don’t. AI isn’t trained to diagnose conditions. It might misinterpret symptoms or offer generic info that could delay proper care. Always consult a healthcare professional—your health is too important for guesswork. 4. Never request illegal or harmful activities This should go without saying, but AI won’t (and shouldn’t) help you with anything dangerous or unlawful. More importantly, attempting to do so could flag your account or device, depending on the platform. 5. Don’t expect perfect privacy Even if you whisper, assume anything you say to an AI assistant could be recorded or stored. Avoid discussing private details like passwords, personal arguments, or confidential work info. 6. Don’t treat them like friends They’re designed to simulate empathy, but AI doesn’t feel. Relying on it for emotional support might feel comforting short-term, but it’s no substitute for real human connection. AI is a tool—not a replacement for judgment, privacy, or professional expertise. Use it wisely, and it’ll serve you well.