By Burton Kelso
The Technology Expert

In the past couple of years, AI chatbots have soared in popularity because people are amazed at their ability to create content and pictures.

However, the world of AI is changing as more people use chatbots to find answers on the Internet rather than traditional search engines. The problem with traditional search engines is you may have to view multiple sites before you find what you’re looking for. When using a chatbot, you will get the answers you want delivered directly to you. Should you stop using search engines and start using AI to search the web? Here’s what you need to know.

When you look at AI, it is essentially “conversational Google” which means when you ask it to perform a task, it scours the internet to find you the information you’ve requested. AI search engines offer users the same basic service but with significant differences in execution. Some options are more helpful than others, including differences in user interfaces, search results, and suggestions.

How can I use a ChatBot as a search engine? Using AI as a search engine can significantly enhance your search experience by providing more accurate, relevant, and personalized results. Here are a few ways you can use AI as opposed to search engines for your searches:
AI-Powered Search Engines: Search engines like Google and Bing are already including AI answers in conjunction with their traditional searches to help provide you with more precise answers.

Generative AI Tools: You’re probably using AI chatbots to create content and pictures, but don’t forget these tools can be used to search for information by generating responses based on vast datasets and the Internet. These tools can provide summaries, answer questions, and even engage in conversational searches.
Voice Assistants: Don’t forget your AI-powered home assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google can perform searches based on your voice which makes it easier to find information.

Helpful Tips for Using AI as a Search Engine

Be Specific: As when you’re creating an AI prompt to create content or images, make sure you are specific your query, the better the AI can understand, the better it will be able to provide relevant results.

Use Natural Language: Get out of the mindset of using “Google Speak”, short sentences like you would a traditional search engine. Phrase your queries as you would ask a question to a person in a conversation. AI tools are designed to understand natural language.

Keep Refining Your Questions: If your initial results aren’t what you expected, refine your query with additional details or ask follow-up questions.

Here are some of the best AI search engines you can try. There are many chatbots out on the web, but some of them were designed to be specifically for internet searches. Check out the following tools.

1. Perplexity AI
   Great for: Conversational search experiences.
   Features: Uses advanced AI to provide detailed answers and summaries, making it great for complex queries.
2. Google Gemini
   Great for: Multimodal searches and integration with Google services.
   Features: Combines text, images, and other media to provide comprehensive search results.
3. Microsoft Bing
   Great for: Robust search index and AI-enhanced features.
   Features: Integrates AI to improve search accuracy and relevance, including voice and image search capabilities.
4. You.com
   Great for: Personalized and collaborative searching.
   Features: Allows users to customize their search experience and collaborate on searches.
5. Brave Search
   Great for: Privacy-focused searches.
   Features: Emphasizes user privacy and does not track your searches.
   Hopefully, this will give you tips to help you take advantage of AI and use it for more than just creating content and photos. If you enjoyed this post, let me know in the comments below. If you have any questions, please reach out via email or on social media. I’m always available.

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