Google searches have long been the go-to for information, but many people are starting to feel that the quality of results is declining due to an influx of sponsored and spammy links. German researchers have conducted a study that suggests this decline in quality is evident across Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. However, Google insists that its results are of better quality than its competitors, backed by third-party measurements.
In response to these concerns, the rise of generative AI chatbots is offering a new way for people to search for information. Google has introduced its own AI chatbot assistant, now known as Gemini, which provides users with a conversational interface to type their questions. Microsoft's Bing search engine also offers generative AI searches through its Copilot feature, powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT technology.
While these AI chatbots offer a new and potentially more user-friendly way to search for information, there are concerns about their accuracy and reliability. Many of these services offer free versions with limited features, while premium levels provide access to smarter AI and more capabilities.
When conducting an AI search, users are advised to ask conversational and detailed questions, as opposed to traditional keyword searches. The results from AI chatbots often provide a readable summary of information, sometimes with key links as footnotes. However, the accuracy of these responses can vary, with some AI chatbots known to provide inaccurate or false information.
Overall, while AI chatbots offer a new and innovative way to search for information, users should exercise caution and be aware of the potential limitations and inaccuracies that may arise.
themes: ChatGPT OpenAI DuckDuckGo Microsoft Google AI (Artificial intelligence)
