What is Perplexity AI Search?

Perplexity AI Search is a new kind of search engine powered by artificial intelligence. Instead of simply showing you a list of links like Google or Bing, Perplexity uses a combination of web search and a large language model (similar to the technology behind ChatGPT) to directly answer your questions in plain language. When you ask a question, Perplexity instantly searches the internet for relevant information and then generates a concise answer for you. Importantly, it also provides footnote citations linking to the sources it used, so you can always click to verify facts or read more from the original web pages. This makes Perplexity a transparent and trustworthy AI search assistant for getting quick answers.

One of the key benefits of Perplexity Search is its real-time information retrieval. The tool fetches the latest data from the web, meaning it can answer questions about current events or recent topics (something static AI models might miss). For example, if you ask, “Who won the soccer match today?” Perplexity will search news sources and give you an up-to-date answer with references. The answers are presented in a conversational manner, often just a few sentences summarizing the consensus from multiple sources.

How to use Perplexity Search?

Using Perplexity is as easy as using a regular search engine. You can go to the Perplexity.ai website (or use their mobile app) and enter your question in the search bar. Upon submission, you’ll see Perplexity’s answer appear, usually within seconds, followed by numbered source links. You can click on any source to read more details. Perplexity also allows you to follow up with related questions in a conversational thread – it remembers context from your previous question, so you can clarify or ask for more detail, much like chatting with an assistant.

Why use Perplexity AI Search? 

This AI-powered search is great when you want a quick, direct answer or a summary, without wading through multiple websites yourself. It’s especially handy for factual questions, definitions, or initial research on a topic. Because it provides sources, you get the benefits of AI convenience and the credibility of web references. For instance, students and professionals might use Perplexity to jumpstart research, get explanations for a concept, or compare facts, saving time while still being able to double-check the information. Overall, Perplexity AI Search offers a fast and user-friendly way to satisfy your curiosity or gather knowledge, all in one go.

Try out Perplexity Search by visiting the official site and asking your own question. It’s free to use – see how quickly you can get an answer with sources! (And if you enjoy tools like this, subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful AI tool FAQs and tips.)

by Dr. Hernani Costa