Is ChatGPT Good for Advice? We Put It to the Test

AI Advice Is on the Rise, But Is It Reliable?

From parenting dilemmas to foreclosure strategies, more people are turning to AI for guidance on real-life issues. Tools like ChatGPT are becoming go-to resources not just for brainstorming, but for advice on legal, financial, personal, and emotional decisions.

This trend raises a critical question: Is ChatGPT good for advice, or are we placing too much trust in a bot with no real-world experience?

We ran multiple real-world tests to find out.

Trend 1: AI Is Being Used for Personal Help More Than Ever

What’s happening:
Searches for "how to ask AI for help with..." have exploded. From preparing divorce paperwork to negotiating rent, users are tapping into ChatGPT for personal guidance at scale.

What it means:
People want faster, cheaper, less intimidating alternatives to traditional consultants. ChatGPT for personal help is becoming a lifeline in situations where professional advice feels out of reach.

But here’s the catch: quality varies wildly. That brings us to our next insight.

If you're dealing with money anxiety, these prompts for financial stress can help you approach tough conversations with more clarity and less pressure.

Trend 2: The Advice Depends Heavily on the Prompt

What’s happening:
We tested three advice scenarios:

• Foreclosure strategy: ChatGPT outlined general steps but missed state-specific rules.

• Parenting plan prep: Solid framework, but lacked nuance around legal enforcement.

• How to talk to a landlord about mold: Surprisingly actionable, including sample language and rights references.

What it means:
The difference between mediocre and excellent advice comes down to how you ask. A vague question gets a generic output. A detailed prompt can produce advice that rivals human guidance.

This is where tools like Goat Answer’s Prompt Builder make a difference. By structuring your question with the right context, jurisdiction, and goals, you dramatically boost AI advice quality.

Trend 3: ChatGPT Can Be Helpful, But It’s Not a Substitute for Experts

What’s happening:
People are using AI as a first step, then double-checking with professionals. This is especially true in high-stakes areas like immigration, finance, and custody planning.

What it means:
ChatGPT is best viewed as a research assistant or brainstorming partner, not a licensed professional. It offers speed and convenience, not legal guarantees or emotional therapy.

For example, it can help you:

• Understand the basics of a process

• Draft emails or talking points

• Compare options or outline questions to ask a real expert

But it should never replace certified guidance where the stakes are high.

Summary: Is ChatGPT Good for Advice?

Yes, with caveats.

• It’s surprisingly good for structured, research-based guidance

• It struggles with nuance, regulation, and emotional complexity

• The quality of your prompt dictates the quality of the response

If you’re asking, is ChatGPT good for advice? The answer is: it depends on what you need, and how you ask.

Need help structuring your question the right way? Try our free ChatGPT prompt generator to get better advice instantly.

How Goat Answer Helps You Get Better AI Advice

The biggest takeaway from our test? Prompt quality is everything.

That’s why Goat Answer’s Prompt Builder exists. It guides you to:

• Add legal, regional, or situational context

• Clarify your goals and constraints

• Avoid common prompt mistakes

If you're serious about getting reliable, focused answers from ChatGPT, don’t leave it to chance. Try the Prompt Builder today and unlock the full potential of AI for personal and professional advice.