How to search for information using ChatGPT professionally: Useful tips

Use advanced search operators with ChatGPT Search

ChatGPT Search works differently than traditional search engines. However, to get started, a useful approach is to use advanced Internet search operators similar to those used in traditional search engines. This allows you to get more accurate and relevant results without the usual "water" that occurs in standard web searches.

Essentially, search operators are commands that help narrow or expand the results of a query and can be used both in search engines and in other applications.

For example, if you want to find a list of all the recipes on the RBC-Ukraine website, you can enter the query "recipes site: www.rbc.ua" in any search platform, and the results will be limited to recipe-related content from RBC-Ukraine.

Another difference of ChatGPT Search is the use of citations. Unlike Google, which provides links for study, ChatGPT synthesizes information into short summaries and provides citations to support its answers. For example, if you type in "the latest trends in AI," ChatGPT will link to articles from reputable technical journals with short excerpts.

You should verify ChatGPT's sources, especially for academic or professional papers. In addition, you can force ChatGPT to use only high-quality sources, which ensures that its conclusions come only from trusted or specific sources. This greatly reduces the time you spend reviewing multiple links.

Advanced search operators (photo: MakeUseOf)

Search for specific types of content

While Google is great at multimedia searches, ChatGPT Search can find specific types of content, such as images, videos, or PDFs. However, unlike a standard Google image search, ChatGPT doesn't deliver images or videos directly but can direct you to the right sources.

If you need free images, use the simple query "Best sites for free stock photos". ChatGPT will suggest platforms like Unsplash and Pexels and explain the strengths of each platform.

In another example, if you need academic PDFs, the query "Where can I find free research articles" will lead you to repositories like Google Scholar.

ChatGPT can also help refine your search strategy to focus on specific journals or articles, saving you time in exploring complex academic databases.

For technical manuals, white papers, or specialized reports, try refining your query. For example, the query "Latest white papers on cybersecurity PDF" will give you recommendations on where to find reliable documents.

When it comes to other forms of content, such as videos, ChatGPT can summarize video content or direct you to relevant channels and tutorials, but it does not serve the same function as the YouTube search bar.

If you're learning a new skill, such as photo editing, the query "best YouTube channels for Photoshop beginners" will offer you handpicked recommendations with short descriptions of each channel's focus. This feature can help you stay on track when the amount of content on certain topics on the internet is overwhelming.

Search for specific types of content (photo: MakeUseOf)

Use contextual refinements to improve your search

One of the outstanding features of ChatGPT Search is the ability to work with contextual refinements. Unlike Google, where you need to start a new query, ChatGPT allows you to build on previous questions.

This is handy if you want to quickly evaluate options before buying a new product or replacing it. A Google query like "best budget noise-canceling headphones" will lead to many pages of results.

Instead, you can ask ChatGPT: "What are some good noise-canceling headphones for under $100?". Then clarify: "Which ones have the best battery life?" This conversational approach helps refine the search without unnecessary repetition, making the process intuitive and efficient.

Contextual refinements to improve search (photo: MakeUseOf)

Creative and research applications

ChatGPT Search is a powerful tool for creative projects and structured research. If you are planning a new project, formulating your query in the form of a scenario can give you personalized results.

For example, "If I wanted to write a novel in three months, but I only had 30 minutes a day, how would you suggest organizing my time?" ChatGPT will generate a detailed plan, including recommended resources. It's also a great tool for breaking down complex topics.

If you're learning to program on GitHub, ChatGPT can offer a step-by-step guide with links to tutorials and relevant articles. It will explain the basics, from setting up repositories and creating committees to collaborating on projects.

When to use ChatGPT Search instead of Google (and when not)

ChatGPT Search is a versatile tool, but not a complete replacement for Google. It's great for summarizing complex topics, conducting structured research, generating creative ideas, and refining your search through conversation.

However, for real-time news, multimedia content, niche academic research, or when you need specific technical documents, Google still has the edge.

In addition, while ChatGPT provides citations, checking these sources through traditional search engines helps ensure their accuracy.

At its best, ChatGPT Search acts like an experienced researcher, helping you cut through the digital noise and find the information you need. While it won't replace Google for everything - especially for real-time news and multimedia searches - it offers a new, efficient approach to information gathering.

A chatbot excels at providing personalized, conversational answers, turning research into an engaging discovery process.

We also have an article about the top 5 dangerous topics that should not be shared on ChatGPT.