In one sentence: Generative AI is artificial intelligence (AI) that makes new content, such as text, images, audio or video, from what you ask for.
Why it matters: It can help with writing and ideas. It can get things wrong and present incorrect statements as facts. The US FBI says criminals use it to make scams look more believable, with better writing and realistic images.
One thing to do: Check one fact from an AI answer on a website you trust before you share it.
Related terms: chatbot, large language model, AI-generated content
Checked: 25 Oct 2026.
