Perplexity Pages: A Game-Changer or Just Another AI Gimmick?
A Convenient Research Tool or a Threat to Original Content?
As an avid user of AI-powered tools for research, I’ve recently made the switch from ChatGPT to Perplexity. The main reason? OpenAI’s decision to remove plugins, which I heavily relied on for web browsing and real-time data lookup. Perplexity’s approach of starting with a web search and prominently displaying sources has proven to be more reliable than ChatGPT or Copilot using Bing, especially considering the issue of AI hallucination.
Now, as a satisfied Perplexity subscriber, I’d like to share my thoughts on their latest feature: Perplexity Pages.
What is Perplexity Pages?
Perplexity Pages is a new feature that transforms the traditional chat interface into a shareable article or blog post format. Creating a page is a breeze — the information is neatly divided into sections, with sources listed under each one. You can easily copy links or content from individual sections and even insert new sections to make the article more comprehensive. The user experience is top-notch.
The Pros and Cons
While Perplexity Pages is undeniably well-executed, I find myself questioning its practical utility. As an alternative to the chat interface, Pages could be used to research a topic of interest and serve as a reference guide for later use. However, this seems like a rare use case, given how quickly and easily one can obtain relevant information by simply asking Perplexity a new question.
Perplexity markets this feature as a way to “share in-depth knowledge on any topic.” But would I really want to share a completely AI-generated article? The feature would be far more useful if it allowed me to edit the article, inject my own thoughts, and adjust the tone to match my personal style. But then, why wouldn’t I just use my own blog or Medium to write and publish the article?
The Bigger Picture
My concerns extend beyond the practical applications of Perplexity Pages. I worry about the impact that AI-generated summaries and content will have on the people who dedicate their time and effort to researching and writing the content that these AI models rely on for information.
As more and more people opt for AI-summarized content instead of reading the original work, what incentive will content creators have to continue producing high-quality, well-researched articles? This trend could lead to a decline in the quality and quantity of online content, ultimately harming the very AI models that depend on it.
The Verdict
Perplexity Pages is an impressive showcase of AI technology, but its practical value remains questionable. While it may serve as a convenient tool for personal research and reference, its potential for sharing AI-generated content raises concerns about the future of online content creation and the role of human writers.
As we navigate this new era of AI-powered tools, it’s crucial that we consider not only the immediate benefits but also the long-term implications for the content ecosystem as a whole. Perplexity Pages may be a game-changer in terms of technology, but its impact on the world of content creation is yet to be determined.
What are your thoughts on Perplexity Pages and the growing role of AI in content creation?
