It offers you more control by being able to choose your own gears. In the real world though, you’re going to get no benefit from it. Unless you’re shifting at the exact right time you’re going to get a rougher ride, use more fuel, and not really get any better performance unless you’re on a track. Since you’ve already said you have never driven a manual before I can’t see why this would be of any benefit to you.

You’ll definitely not harm the car by using it other than downshifting inappropriately into high revs. Shifting up inappropriately won’t hurt the car but could definitely stall it, if the software isn’t smart enough to prevent you from doing so.

This isn’t like a manual car though. It’s what’s called semi automatic. You choose the gears, while the clutch operation is still fully automated. So all you do is pull the gear lever towards you, then flick it forwards to shift up, or flick it backwards to shift down.

Hyundai automatic transmissions are actually really good though. Especially if we’re talking about their DCT boxes. Just drive it normally in D and that will be your best experience as a basic car driver who’s not trying to race but rather looking for something that just works, as well as comfort and efficiency.