For over two decades, Google was the first port of call for nearly everything in my life. It was my go-to for researching trends, solving problems, and finding inspiration. Its simplicity and speed have revolutionised the way we access information. But a while ago, I deliberately decided to stop relying on Google. I switched to generative AI tools, specifically the paid version of ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Grok, and Perplexity, and I haven't looked back.
This shift has been transformative. Unlike traditional search engines that present many links, generative AI focuses on context and relevance. It delivers information tailored to my needs without requiring me to wade through endless pages of results and ads. ChatGPT and Perplexity function less like search engines and more like collaborative partners—a shoulder mate, if you will—always ready to brainstorm, explain, and assist.
Moreover, I can also access links to their sources when needed, ensuring transparency and credibility.
Why the switch?
The key difference lies in the user experience. Despite its prowess, Google often inundates users with overwhelming information. Searching for answers requires mental energy to sift through links, assess credibility, and piece together the relevant bits. It's efficient for specific tasks but can feel exhausting for others.
Generative AI, on the other hand, offers a more focused experience. It relieves the burden of cognitive overload and allows for a more relaxed approach to information retrieval.
ChatGPT and Perplexity, on the other hand, offer a more conversational and focused experience. With the paid version of ChatGPT, I can pose questions or outline challenges in natural language, and it responds with concise, tailored insights. They understand the nuances of my requests, saving me time and energy. It's like having a knowledgeable assistant who truly 'gets' what I'm asking for, making me feel more understood and catered to in my information needs.
For instance, if I need to understand a complex concept or brainstorm ideas for a project, ChatGPT excels. It provides detailed explanations, suggests innovative ideas, and even helps draft content or solve problems. Perplexity complements this by enhancing research capabilities and summarising broader insights, often including clickable links to its sources for further reading. Together, they redefine how I interact with information.
How I use generative AI
Nowadays, generative AI tools have become my primary resource for finding, searching and problem-solving. I rely on ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Perplexity for most of my daily needs, such as professional research, content creation, or learning new skills.
Even when I use Google, I always pair it with the ChatGPT browser extension to refine the results and gain additional context. This hybrid approach bridges the gap between traditional search and AI-driven solutions.
Take a practical example: Let's say I'm exploring the latest trends in B2B marketing. Instead of searching for 'B2B marketing trends 2025' and sifting through numerous articles, I can ask ChatGPT, 'What are the key B2B marketing trends for 2025, and how can businesses prepare?' In moments, I receive a curated summary with actionable insights, often supported by links to reliable sources—no scrolling required.
Another scenario is when I'm stuck on a creative task. Writing a keynote, drafting a LinkedIn post, or generating ideas for a campaign used to involve hours of Googling, compiling, and refining. Now, I discuss my thoughts directly with ChatGPT. It helps me refine my ideas, ensure the content resonates with my audience, and provide links to deeper resources when necessary.
The evolution of search
The shift from Google to generative AI tools reflects a broader trend in how we interact with technology. Just as search engines redefined how we access information, generative AI redefines how we use it. These tools don't just retrieve information; they engage with it, contextualising and curating it to meet our specific needs. This evolution prioritises quality over quantity, reducing cognitive overload and streamlining workflows.
Of course, this isn't to say that Google no longer has a place. It remains indispensable for certain types of searches—especially those requiring up-to-date information or verification. However, generative AI has become my preferred choice for tasks where context and relevance are paramount.
The balancing act
The question remains: How do you balance Google with tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Perplexity? For me, the balance leans heavily towards generative AI. However, it's not about abandoning one for the other; it's about understanding the strengths of each tool and using them in tandem.
Generative AI, meanwhile, excels at personalisation, context, and efficiency while delivering links and sources.
As we embrace these new technologies, the way we search, learn, and create will continue to evolve.
The future of search isn't just about finding information; it's about transforming it into meaningful, actionable knowledge. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Perplexity are leading that charge, and I, for one, am excited to see where this journey takes us.
