Many individuals believe that Google search results have been declining in quality. Additionally, the emergence of generative AI chatbots has provided alternative methods for seeking information.

Google has been the go-to source for years, often referred to as “googling.” However, its long-standing control has resulted in an influx of sponsored and low-quality links and content that use “search engine optimization” tactics. This causes valuable results to be pushed down.

According to recent research conducted by German scientists, the accuracy of search results from Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo is decreasing. Google claims that its results are noticeably superior to those of its competitors, citing data from independent sources.

Currently, chatbots utilizing generative artificial intelligence, including those developed by Google, are ready to revolutionize the way search functions. However, they are not without their own troubles. Due to the novelty of this technology, there are worries about the precision and dependability of AI chatbots.

If you are interested in attempting the AI method, here is a guide:

Google users don’t need to search extensively. The corporation introduced its own AI chatbot assistant, called Bard, in the previous year, but has since changed the name to Gemini and replaced it with a comparable service.

Users of Bard will now be directed to the Gemini website, which is available on both desktop and mobile browsers.

The Gemini app recently became available in the U.S. and is now expanding to other countries such as Japan, Korea, and English-speaking countries worldwide. However, it is not yet available in Britain, Switzerland, or Europe. The update notice suggests that more countries and languages will be added in the near future.

Google has been experimenting with a new search feature called “Search Generative Experience” which replaces traditional links with an AI-generated summary of important information. However, this feature is currently only available to users in the United States who have signed up through Google’s experimental Labs website.

For the past year, Microsoft’s Bing search tool has offered generative AI searches using OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. It was initially called Bing Chat, but has now been renamed as Copilot.

Click on the Chat or Copilot button located below the search bar on the Bing homepage to access a conversational interface where you can input your inquiry. Alternatively, there is an available Copilot application.

Several new AI search websites have appeared, though they are not easily discoverable. A typical Google search is not very useful, but searches on Copilot and Bard revealed various names such as Perplexity, HuggingChat, You.com, Komo, Andi, Phind, Exa, and AskAI.

The majority of these services offer free options, but they usually have a query limit. However, there are also paid options that offer more advanced AI and additional features.

For those who use Gemini, there is an option to upgrade to the advanced version for $20. This will give access to the most powerful model, Ultra 1.0.

Gemini requires users to be logged into their Google accounts and must be at least 13 years old (18 in Europe or Canada). However, Copilot users are not required to have a Microsoft account and can access the service through Bing search or the Copilot home pages.

Most startup websites are free to access and do not require creating an account. Some may offer premium options as well.

Instead of inputting a series of keywords, AI searches should be in the form of a conversation. For instance, “Is Taylor Swift considered the top female artist?” or “What are some recommended destinations for summer travel in Europe?”

Perplexity suggests utilizing “common, everyday language.” Phind recommends posing thorough and specific inquiries that begin with phrases such as “what is” or “how to.”

If you are unsatisfied with an answer, certain websites allow you to ask additional questions to pinpoint the necessary information. Some may also provide suggested or related questions.

Copilot by Microsoft offers a selection of three chat styles: creative, balanced, or precise.

Instead of displaying a list of links like Google search results, AI chatbots provide a concise summary of the information and may include a few important links as references. The responses may differ significantly depending on the website.

They have the ability to illuminate when you’re seeking a little-known piece of information, like a specific aspect of a policy within the European Union.

Responses from Phind.com were some of the most comprehensible and consistently given in a storytelling format. However, the website has inexplicably experienced periods of being offline.

Testing a simple query — what’s the average temperature in London for the second half of February? — produced a similar range of results on most sites: 7-9 degrees Celsius (45-48 Fahrenheit).

During a subsequent attempt, Andi accurately displayed the current weather for New York, despite initially providing incorrect information.

Another search — the names and tenures of the CEOs of British luxury car maker Aston Martin — is the kind of info available online but needs some work to piece together.

The majority of websites chose names that were popular in the last ten to twenty years. AskAI listed options dating back to 1947 and also included its top three trusted sources, but did not include any links.

Although chatbots may come across as confident and reliable due to their ability to produce answers that mimic those of a human, they are not infallible. AI chatbots have been known to provide deceptive and convincing responses, often referred to as “hallucinations.” HuggingChat cautions that the content generated by these chatbots may be inaccurate or even false, while Gemini acknowledges the potential for displaying incorrect information, including details about individuals.

These artificial intelligence systems analyze extensive amounts of data collected from the internet, referred to as large language models. They then utilize algorithms to generate logical responses, but not all disclose their methods for reaching these conclusions.

Certain AI chatbots reveal the specific models used to train their algorithms, while others offer limited or no information. It is recommended to test multiple chatbots and compare their outcomes, and to always verify sources.

One instance involved Komo claiming that Canada’s population in 1991 was approximately 1 million individuals. Despite my follow-up inquiry, Komo continued to adhere to this incorrect number and referenced a Wikipedia page as its source. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the figure was specific to the country’s indigenous population. However, when I revisited the topic at a later time, Komo was able to provide the accurate population number.

___

Do you have a technical issue that you need assistance with? Contact us at [email protected] and share your inquiries.

Source: wral.com