LONDON – Many people share the perception that the quality of searches on Google is declining. The rise of generative AI chatbots is opening up new pathways to access information.
The dominance of Google as the primary search engine has been overshadowed by an increase in sponsored or low-quality content influenced by search engine optimization tactics, leading to a decrease in the reliability of authentic search outcomes.
A recent research study conducted by German scholars has pointed to a deterioration in the precision of search results across Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. Despite Google’s claim that its search results outperform those of its rivals in terms of quality, as verified by independent evaluations.
The introduction of generative AI-powered chatbots, including those developed by Google, is set to transform the landscape of search mechanisms. However, uncertainties linger regarding the precision and trustworthiness of AI chatbots due to the novelty of the technology.
For those keen on delving into AI-driven search techniques, here is a straightforward guide:
Users of Google can easily engage with the company’s AI chatbot assistant, formerly known as Bard, now rebranded as Gemini.
Previous Bard users are now guided to the Gemini platform, which is accessible on both desktop and mobile browsers.
Gemini recently made its debut in the U.S. and is gradually extending its reach to encompass Japanese, Korean, and English languages globally, with intentions for further expansion into other regions and languages in the near future.
Google has also been experimenting with a fresh search attribute named the “Search Generative Experience,” which substitutes conventional links with AI-generated snapshots of essential details. This function is presently accessible to U.S. users who enroll via the experimental Labs site.
Microsoft’s Bing search engine has been providing generative AI search functionalities powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology for about a year, initially labeled as Bing Chat, now rebranded as Copilot.
Users can access the interactive interface by selecting the Chat or Copilot option on the Bing search homepage or through the Copilot application.
Numerous AI-driven startup search platforms have surfaced, although they may not be as easily discoverable via traditional search engines. Platforms like Perplexity, HuggingChat, You.com, Komo, Andi, Phind, Exa, and AskAI present free versions with restrictions on the number of queries, along with premium tiers featuring enhanced AI capabilities.
To enhance AI inquiries, it is advisable to pose questions in a conversational style, such as “Is Taylor Swift considered the most successful female musician?” or “What are some recommended European travel destinations for the summer?”
In situations where users are dissatisfied with the initial response, some platforms allow for follow-up questions to refine the search outcomes. Microsoft’s Copilot, for instance, provides three distinct chat modes: creative, balanced, or precise.
In contrast to traditional search outcomes that display a list of links, AI chatbots provide concise summaries of information, often accompanied by pertinent links for further exploration. The quality and presentation of responses may differ among platforms.
While AI chatbots excel in retrieving obscure facts, they are not flawless and may generate inaccurate or deceptive responses. It is prudent to cross-verify information from multiple sources and exercise caution when solely relying on AI-generated content.
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