How One App Changed My View on AI Despite My Initial Opposition

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Like many professional writers, I’ve always had a skeptical view of artificial intelligence. But a new tool from Perplexity has prompted me to rethink the advantages of incorporating AI into my productivity routine.

What Is Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI is marketed as the "Swiss Army Knife of information discovery." In simpler terms, it allows you to ask questions and utilizes its advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to search an extensive database for answers.

Perplexity provides two tiers of service: a free version and a premium subscription. If you’re familiar with tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the interface will feel quite familiar. If you’re new to this technology, we’ve compiled a guide to help you navigate the world of artificial intelligence.

The free version of Perplexity lets you ask questions, summarize articles and emails, and generate code. It also delivers up-to-date source information, a feature designed to tackle the frustrating issue of AI hallucinations.

Upgrading to the Pro version, which costs $20 per month or $200 annually, offers even more functionalities. Subscribers can switch between various AI models, such as Claude 3.5 Sonnet and GPT-4o, and benefit from Pro Searches that are more detailed and accurate compared to free Quick Searches. Additionally, Pro subscribers get enhanced support, access to an exclusive Discord community, and the ability to upload and analyze unlimited documents.

How Perplexity Stands Out from Other AI Tools

The market is flooded with generative AI chatbots, each with its unique features. However, several aspects set Perplexity AI apart, particularly its built-in citation function. Whenever it provides an answer, it lists multiple references at the top of the response. As someone who engages in detailed research, I value this feature, as it allows me to verify sources before utilizing the information.

Furthermore, Perplexity updates its information in real time, ensuring you receive relevant answers that reflect the latest data. Another standout feature is its Copilot, which acts as an interactive search assistant, asking clarifying questions to personalize responses based on your searches.

In summary, Perplexity offers a wealth of features, and these are just a few highlights. The best way to understand its capabilities is to give it a try yourself.

How to Use Perplexity AI

I’ve found several effective ways to utilize Perplexity that might inspire you to do the same.

Product Research

For instance, I recently needed to find a new harness for one of my dogs. Instead of wading through multiple websites, I asked Perplexity to recommend the best dog harness available in the U.S. It not only identified a highly-rated model from various sources but also suggested options I wouldn’t have found through a simple Amazon search.

Compiling Evidence-Based Information

Last week, I tasked Perplexity with helping me craft a science-backed workout program. It returned with a comprehensive list of well-founded suggestions. While I might have been able to gather all this information myself, it would have consumed a significant amount of time.

Instead of sifting through an overload of data, I focused on honing in on the information I truly needed, complemented by a curated list of credible sources for review. This saved me countless hours of potentially chasing down unrelated facts that didn’t align with my criteria.

Note: A desktop AI assistant cannot replace the guidance of a qualified physician. Always consult your doctor before starting any AI-generated fitness plans.

Website Analysis

Given that Perplexity is primarily designed for predictive text analysis, it excels at examining various topics presented online. For example, I often ask it to compile a list of popular SEO keywords related to specific subjects, which enhances my ability to optimize content and reach an audience like yours.

Other Uses for Perplexity

Perplexity is particularly adept at organizing and sorting information in a digestible format. Whether you need to buy a new couch or conduct academic research, this tool serves as an invaluable assistant. While it won’t do the work for you, it significantly reduces the time spent filtering through unnecessary information.

If you’re considering using Perplexity, I recommend replacing your traditional Google search with this tool for a week. Pay close attention to the helpfulness of the insights it provides. You’ll find that it yields better results when you include specific qualifiers in your queries, such as “You’re an AKC certified dog trainer” or “Help me find research based on evidence.”

Why Perplexity Has Changed My Perspective on AI

To clarify, Perplexity is not sponsoring this post; I genuinely appreciate its tool so much that I even opted for a year-long Pro subscription. Your experience may differ, of course.

Prior to using this AI assistant, I was apprehensive about integrating AI into my workflow. I felt threatened by the idea that AI could eventually replace the craft I’ve devoted years to mastering.

However, by clinging to my bias against AI tools, I overlooked that utilizing them doesn’t render me obsolete. Instead, I’ve discovered that Perplexity AI enhances my efficiency and enriches my knowledge. This means I can focus more on the tasks I enjoy while minimizing the time spent on tedious responsibilities.

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