LONDON (AP) — Many individuals are expressing concerns about the deteriorating quality of Google searches and the emergence of generative AI chatbots as alternative information retrieval tools.
Over the years, Google has been the go-to platform for searches, earning the moniker “googling.” However, its prolonged dominance has led to an influx of sponsored links and irrelevant content driven by search engine optimization tactics, overshadowing genuinely valuable results.
Recent research conducted by German scholars indicates a decline in the relevance of search outcomes from Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. While Google asserts its superiority in result quality compared to its competitors, as verified by external assessments, the landscape is evolving with the introduction of AI-powered chatbots that are set to revolutionize the search process. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the accuracy and dependability of AI chatbots due to the nascent stage of the technology.
For those intrigued by AI-driven searches, here’s a guide on how to get started:
Where Can I Access AI Search Tools?
Google users can easily explore AI chatbot services through the company’s platform. Last year, Google unveiled its AI chatbot assistant, initially named Bard, which has now transitioned to a similar service called Gemini.
Former Bard users are directed to the Gemini website, accessible on both desktop and mobile browsers. The Gemini app has recently been introduced in the U.S. and is gradually rolling out in Japanese, Korean, and English globally, excluding certain regions such as Britain, Switzerland, and Europe, with promises of additional countries and languages in the near future.
Google has also been experimenting with a new search feature named “Search Generative Experience,” which replaces conventional links with AI-generated snapshots of essential information, albeit limited to U.S. users who sign up through its experimental Labs site.
Microsoft’s Bing search engine has been offering generative AI searches powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology, initially under the name Bing Chat and now rebranded as Copilot. Users can access this feature by clicking the Chat or Copilot button on the Bing search homepage, initiating a conversational interface for query input. Additionally, there is a Copilot app available.
Several startup AI search platforms have emerged, though they may not be as readily discoverable. While a standard Google search might not yield comprehensive results, queries on Copilot and Bard have uncovered various names, including Perplexity, HuggingChat, You.com, Komo, Andi, Phind, Exa, and AskAI.
Are There Any Registration or Payment Requirements?
Most of these services offer free versions with limitations on query volume, alongside premium tiers that provide enhanced AI capabilities and additional features.
For instance, Gemini users can opt for the advanced version priced at $20, granting access to its most sophisticated model, Ultra 1.0.
Gemini users must be logged into their Google accounts and meet the minimum age requirement of 13, or 18 in Europe or Canada. On the other hand, Copilot users are not mandated to sign in with a Microsoft account and can utilize the service via the Bing search or Copilot home pages.
Startup platforms generally offer free usage without necessitating account setup, with premium options available on some sites.
How Do I Conduct an AI Search?
AI queries differ from traditional keyword searches, emphasizing conversational input. For example, users are encouraged to pose questions in natural language, such as “Is Taylor Swift the most successful female musician?” or “Where are some recommended European travel destinations for this summer?”
Perplexity recommends employing everyday language, while Phind suggests framing detailed questions beginning with phrases like “what is” or “how to.”
In cases where the initial response is unsatisfactory, certain platforms allow users to pose follow-up questions for further clarification. Some services also provide suggested or related queries.
Microsoft’s Copilot offers three distinct chat styles to choose from: creative, balanced, or precise.
What Can I Expect from the Search Results?
Unlike conventional Google search outcomes featuring a list of links, including sponsored ones, AI chatbots deliver concise summaries of information, occasionally accompanied by relevant links as references. The quality of responses may vary across platforms.
These AI-driven tools excel in retrieving obscure facts, such as specific details about European Union policies.
Phind.com stands out for its coherent and narrative-style responses, although the site has experienced intermittent outages. When testing a straightforward query like the average temperature in London during the latter half of February, most platforms returned a range of 7-9 degrees Celsius (45-48 Fahrenheit).
However, discrepancies were noted in responses to queries about the names and tenures of Aston Martin’s CEOs. While most sites provided recent CEO names, AskAI presented a comprehensive list dating back to 1947 without accompanying links.
What Are the Limitations of AI Search?
Despite their authoritative tone, AI chatbots are not infallible and may occasionally provide inaccurate information. Known instances of misleading responses, termed “hallucinations,” have been reported. Platforms like HuggingChat caution users about the potential inaccuracies in generated content, while Gemini acknowledges the possibility of displaying erroneous data, especially concerning individuals.
These AI systems rely on vast datasets sourced from the web, known as large language models, and employ algorithms to generate coherent responses. However, not all platforms disclose their methodology for arriving at answers.
Some AI chatbots reveal the models on which their algorithms are trained, while others offer minimal to no transparency. To mitigate inaccuracies, users are advised to cross-reference information from multiple sources and verify the credibility of sources.
For instance, during a test, Komo persistently claimed that Canada’s population in 1991 was around 1 million individuals, citing a Wikipedia page. Subsequent checks revealed the error, highlighting the importance of verifying information from reliable sources.
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