Summary: Users choose AI to explore and synthesize information; but they rely on traditional search when accuracy and trust are critical.
Users are increasingly turning to generative AI (genAI) for information-seeking tasks — but not uniformly. In a recent study, we observed how people chose between AI chatbots and traditional search for real tasks. Users turned to AI when they started with vague ideas, juggled multiple requirements, or combined information from many sources. They used traditional search when they needed accuracy, control, and trusted sources.
Why Users Turn to GenAI
Some participants began with genAI chatbots when they weren't yet sure what they were looking for or how to describe it. Unlike traditional search tools, which require specific search keywords and, thus, some knowledge about the topic, chatbots offer greater flexibility when the search space is unfamiliar.
Participants used vague or exploratory prompts and let the AI suggest possible directions.
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