In today's digital world, searching for information online is a common activity. You may have used search engines such as Google to gather facts for your homework, perhaps about animals, historical events, or scientific concepts. Alternatively, you might have interacted with an artificial intelligence (AI) tool, like ChatGPT, to ask questions and receive responses.

This lesson will explore how AI is transforming the way we conduct web searches. We will compare traditional search engines with AI-powered tools and discuss the appropriate situations for using each. 

To begin, let us reflect on your personal experiences with online searching. Please take a few moments to note down your thoughts in a notebook or on a piece of paper. Consider the following questions:

• What types of information do you typically search for online?
• Have you ever used an AI chatbot, such as ChatGPT?
• If so, what aspects did you like or dislike about the experience?

Traditional search engines, such as Google, function by indexing billions of web pages and presenting links that correspond to the keywords in your query. In contrast, AI-powered search tools employ artificial intelligence to comprehend the intent behind your question and deliver a direct, synthesised response.

A Simplified Explanation of the Process

Consider the query: "How does a volcano erupt?"
A traditional search engine would usually show a list of websites with articles, videos, or encyclopedia entries that explain the process of a volcanic eruption. You would need to click on a link and read through the content to find your answer.

An AI-powered tool, on the other hand, would analyse the question, use its training data, and instantly provide a direct response, such as:
"A volcano erupts when pressure from gases and molten rock builds up beneath the Earth's surface, eventually forcing magma through openings, creating lava flows and ash clouds."

Key Examples of AI-Powered Search Tools

• ChatGPT: This tool allows you to input a question or prompt, and it generates a detailed response based on its training data. You can access it at ChatGPT.
• Perplexity: Designed for real-time web searches, it summarises information from current sources and provides cited references. Explore it at Perplexity.
• Google's AI Overviews: Integrated into Google's search engine, this feature occasionally presents an AI-generated summary at the top of the results page, offering a quick overview of the topic.

In this section, we shall examine the distinctions between traditional search engines, such as Google or Bing, and AI-assisted search tools. Understanding these differences will enable you to select the most appropriate method for your information needs.

Traditional Search Engines

Traditional search engines operate by matching your query to indexed web pages and presenting a list of relevant links.

Advantages:

• They provide direct links to original sources, allowing you to verify facts independently.
• They are generally fast and reliable for locating specific websites or documents.
• They often include features such as images, videos, and maps to enhance the search results.

Disadvantages:

• You may need to navigate through multiple links to find the precise information required.
• They may not fully comprehend complex or nuanced questions, leading to less relevant results.
• The process can be time-consuming if the query is broad or ambiguous.

AI-Assisted Search Tools

AI-assisted tools utilise artificial intelligence to interpret your query and generate synthesised responses based on trained data.

Advantages:

• They deliver quick, summarised answers in clear and straightforward language.
• They can provide step-by-step explanations or creative interpretations of topics.
• They are particularly useful for brainstorming ideas or gaining an initial understanding of a subject.

Disadvantages:

• They may occasionally produce inaccurate information, known as 'hallucinations', due to limitations in their data or algorithms.
• They do not always cite sources, making it more challenging to verify the accuracy of the response.
• The information provided might not be up-to-date, as it relies on the tool's training data.

Below are several scenarios involving common online questions. For each one, decide whether you would use an AI tool (like ChatGPT or Perplexity) or a traditional search engine (like Google). Think about the purpose of your search—do you need creativity, speed, recent news, or links to reliable sources?

Scenarios:

1. Scenario: “I need up-to-date news on a recent natural disaster.”
2. Scenario: “I want help writing a poem about space.”
3. Scenario: “I’m doing a science project on ecosystems.”
4. Scenario: “I need to find a local pizza place near me.”

Decide for each: AI Tool or Search Engine? Write your answers in your notebook and explain your choice briefly for each one.

When you're ready, click the button below to reveal suggestions for each scenario.

In this activity, you will conduct a practical comparison between a traditional search engine and an AI-powered search tool. This will help you understand their differences in a hands-on manner. You will require internet access. Please open two browser tabs: one for Google (Google) and one for an AI tool such as Perplexity (Perplexity) or ChatGPT (ChatGPT).

Follow these steps carefully. Allocate approximately 10-15 minutes for this activity. Use a notebook or a piece of paper to record your observations.

1. Select a Query: Choose a specific question to investigate. Examples include: 'How do bees make honey?' or 'Who invented the telephone?' Alternatively, you may select your own question related to a topic of interest, such as a historical event or a scientific fact.
2. Perform the Search on Google: Enter your chosen question into the Google search bar. Examine the top results, including any links to websites, images, or maps. If an AI-generated overview appears at the top, note its content. Record the key information provided and how it is presented.
3. Query the AI Tool: Input the same question into the AI tool you have selected. Read the response carefully and copy it into your notebook. Pay attention to the structure of the answer, such as whether it is a summary, a step-by-step explanation, or includes additional details.
4. Compare the Results: Analyse the outcomes from both tools. Consider the following aspects and note your thoughts:
   • Which tool provided a quicker response?
   • Which response appears more accurate or detailed?
   • Did the AI tool cite any sources? If so, list them.
   • What are the strengths and weaknesses of each tool based on this search?
   • If the AI's response seems unusual or potentially incorrect, verify it using Google or another reliable source.