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5. Using AI to find information

AI is transforming how we search for and interact with information online. AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot function differently to traditional keyword-based search engines by understanding natural language and context. Beyond being used to find information, they can also be used to create, summarise, and give suggestions on surrounding topics to explore.

To better understand how to responsibly use AI in your studies at UQ, visit the AI Student Hub.

Some examples of AI-powered search tools:

  • Perplexity – An AI search engine that provides concise, cited answers to questions.
  • Microsoft Copilot – UQ’s enterprise AI tool, available to UQ staff and students. Visit our guide for more information on accessing and using Copilot.
  • Google Gemini – Offers AI-powered responses and summaries within Google Search.

There are also AI tools designed specifically for discovering academic literature. See our AI tools for literature searching page for more information.

How searching with AI works

AI search tools use large language models (LLMs) and machine learning algorithms to understand your query and generate relevant responses. Unlike traditional search engines that return a list of links, AI tools often provide a direct answer, summary, or interactive explanation.
Key features of AI search:
  • Contextual understanding – AI will try to interpret the intent behind your question, even if it’s vague or conversational.
  • Summarisation – AI can summarise long articles, documents, or web pages.
  • Citation and source linking – Some tools include links to sources for transparency.
  • Conversational follow-up – You can ask follow-up questions to refine or expand your search.

Benefits and limitations of searching with AI

Benefits:
  • Saves time by summarising or synthesising information.
  • Helps explore unfamiliar topics quickly.
  • Can assist with writing, brainstorming, and research planning.
Limitations:
  • May generate inaccurate or outdated information.
  • Not all tools provide source citations.
  • Can reflect biases in training data or algorithms.
  • May not access real-time or subscription-based content.

Filter bubbles and personalisation

Just like traditional search engines, AI tools can create filter bubbles where results are tailored based on your previous interactions. This can limit exposure to diverse perspectives.

To reduce bias:

  • use multiple tools to cross-check information
  • ask AI to show alternative viewpoints
  • be aware of how your prompts shape the responses.

Privacy and AI tools

AI tools often collect data to improve performance. Some may store your queries or use them to train future models. You can use Microsoft Copilot, UQ’s enterprise AI tool to avoid your inputs being used to train public AI models and ensure sensitive information is handled securely.
Here are a few privacy-conscious AI tools:
  • DuckDuckGo AI Chat – Offers anonymous access to AI models.
  • You.com – Lets you control how much data is stored.
  • Brave Leo – Integrates into Brave browser, hosted through Brave’s privacy-preserving environment.

Always check the privacy policy of the tool you’re using and avoid sharing sensitive personal information.

For more information on evaluating AI-generated content visit our Artificial Intelligence module.

Licence

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Information Essentials Copyright © 2023 by The University of Queensland is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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