President’s Message
This month I thought I would share with you the results of an internet search I conducted using an AI powered app. I entered the following search:
“Create a 600 word newsletter article for seniors describing the difference between standard internet searches and ones with AI apps such as ChatGPT and Perplexity.” Here is the result:
Understanding the New World of Internet Search: Standard Search Engines vs. AI Apps Like ChatGPT and Perplexity
The internet has become our go-to resource for everything from health tips to travel advice. But in recent years, the way we search for information online has changed dramatically. If you’ve heard about new AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity and wondered how they differ from traditional search engines like Google or Bing, you’re not alone. Here’s a clear, senior-friendly guide to help you understand these changes and what they mean for your online experience.
How Traditional Search Engines Work
Traditional search engines-think Google, Bing, or Yahoo-have been around for decades. Their main job is to help you find websites that match the words you type into the search box. Here’s how they work:
- Keyword Matching: You type in a phrase (like “best walking shoes for seniors”), and the search engine looks for web pages that contain those words.
- List of Links: The results are shown as a list of website links, often with a short summary underneath each one. You then click through these links to find the information you need.
- Limited Understanding: Traditional search engines don’t truly “understand” your question-they match your keywords to words on web pages. This can sometimes mean you have to try different search terms or sift through several pages to get your answer.
How AI-Powered Apps Like ChatGPT and Perplexity Are Different
AI-powered apps represent a new generation of search technology. Instead of just matching keywords, they use advanced artificial intelligence to understand your question and provide direct, conversational answers. Here’s what makes them unique:
- Conversational Answers: Ask a question in plain English, and these tools respond in a way that feels like you’re chatting with a knowledgeable friend or librarian.
- Direct Responses: Instead of a list of links, you get a clear, summarized answer-often with sources or citations included, so you can check where the information comes from.
- Context Awareness: AI apps remember your previous questions in a conversation. You can ask follow-up questions without repeating yourself, making it easier to dig deeper into a topic.
- Personalization: Over time, these tools can learn your preferences and tailor their answers to your needs, making your experience more relevant and helpful.
- Information Synthesis: AI can pull together information from multiple sources, giving you a more complete answer than you might get from a single website.
A Practical Example
Let’s say you want to know, “What are the best exercises for seniors with arthritis?”
- Traditional Search: You’d get a list of websites-some helpful, some not. You might have to click several links, read through ads, and piece together the information yourself.
- AI App (like Perplexity): You’d get a direct answer summarizing the best exercises, with links to medical sources for more detail. If you have a follow-up question (“Are there exercises I should avoid?”), just ask, and you’ll get another clear answer-no need to start a new search.
When to Use Each Tool
- Traditional Search Engines: Best when you know exactly what website you want to visit, need a wide range of sources, or are looking for a specific page (like your bank’s login or a favorite recipe site).
- AI Apps: Ideal for quick answers, complex or open-ended questions, summaries, or when you want to avoid the hassle of clicking through multiple links.
Why This Matters for Seniors
AI-powered search tools can make the internet more accessible and less overwhelming. They’re especially helpful if you want straightforward answers, have trouble sifting through lots of web pages, or prefer to “ask” questions as you would in a conversation. And with features like source citations and the ability to clarify or expand on answers, you remain in control of the information you receive.
The Bottom Line
Both traditional search engines and AI apps have their place. As these technologies evolve, you’ll have more options than ever to find the information you need-quickly, accurately, and in a way that suits your style. Don’t be afraid to try out these new tools; you might find they make your online life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Members helping members,
Buddy Holt, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club