As of the beginning of the month, OpenAI’s ChatGPT can search the web in the same fashion in which we use Google, and may do so in a better way.
From OpenAI:
ChatGPT can now search the web in a much better way than before. You can get fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources, which you would have previously needed to go to a search engine for. This blends the benefits of a natural language interface with the value of up-to-date sports scores, news, stock quotes, and more.
This search enables ChatGPT to access and incorporate real-time web information into its responses, something it had been unable to do before. Results will include relevant web links, ala Google.
Below the search results you will see a “Sources” section. This indicates that the information is supported by external references. These sources are typically then hyperlinked, allowing you to verify the details and explore the topic further.
This practice enhances transparency and credibility, enabling you to assess the reliability of the information and access more in-depth content on the subject matter.
Initially, this feature is available to only ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers, with plans to extend access to free users in the coming months.
Google has been our default search tool since the advent of search. However, ChatGPT’s enhanced search feature presents a good reason to experiment with ChatGPT search.
By leveraging ChatGPT for searches, you receive concise, conversational responses enriched with real-time data, often accompanied by source citations for further exploration. The responses can be woven into the brainstorming work you’re accustomed to doing on ChatGPT.
To utilize the feature, you may input your query into ChatGPT. The system will automatically perform a web search when necessary, delivering responses that reflect the most current information available.
Easier yet is clicking on the globe on the left side of your text box which will then open up the search window.
“Migrating” from Google to ChatGPT is not easy. When using Google I often think it would have been easier to go to GPT for answers.
But like driving on the right hand side of the road, Google’s become an engrained habit. And I am not saying it’s necessarily become a bad habit.