‘Google it’ or ‘ask Perplexity’: Is the new AI tool breaking the grand old search engine’s monopoly?

For more than two decades, ‘just Google it’ has been the response to almost all our questions. Whether it’s about tracking the latest update on Mars rovers, spotting the nearest fine-dining restaurant or simply looking up the meaning of an unfamiliar word, Google has been our go-to gyan guru. Much like an encyclopedia of everyday life and more, Google has shaped the way we seek knowledge itself. But 2025 brought in a whole new perspective of curiosity. With a new AI-powered contender in the vicinity, it looks like the grand old search engine’s monopoly is about to break. 
The new platform, called Perplexity AI, is more than just another search engine. How? Rather than drowning in endless links and pages, it gives direct, human-like responses that are far more clear, conversational and easy to comprehend. For the first time in decades, Google has real competition, not from another search engine but from a different perspective of knowledge itself.

User engagement and intuitive responses are key
More than a comparison between the amount of information Google and Perplexity AI can independently yield at once, the focus is on how they are doing it. As the ‘librarian of the internet’, Google is considered an efficient and reliable source of information. It thrives on organising a wealth of data to match your keywords. Perplexity AI, on the other hand, is more like an educator. It answers your questions directly and explains the concepts in context as well as cites its sources and even remembers what you asked earlier.
That said, what makes this shift noteworthy is user engagement. People spend almost as much time on Perplexity AI as they do on Google, highlighting its significance. Users are not merely clicking - they are engaging in conversations. They ask a question, get an answer and keep the dialogue going, exploring further with follow-up questions that make the learning process feel seamless, personal and immersive.

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Asking for direct answers rather than searching endlessly
Google has traditionally excelled at engagement metrics - such as page views, time spent on a page and the number of returning users. Perplexity AI has brought in a new element - context retention, which allows the platform to maintain a conversation thread over multiple questions. This feature not only helps in keeping users engaged, but also fosters a long-term relationship with them built on trust. In terms of look and feel, while Google displays 100 blue links, often dotted with ads and SEO-focused results, Perplexity AI chooses to clear the clutter and keep the interface simple and interactive. The turnaround time on this platform is faster, with responses transforming searches into a focused distraction-free dialogue. For generations of users acquainted with instant answers, this is a significant advantage.

So, is Perplexity AI safe for schoolchildren?
There is no doubt that Perplexity AI has emerged as a groundbreaking tool for digital learning, as it blends AI search capabilities with real-time responses. That said, it’s important to point out that the platform does not yet have any efficient guardrails to keep a tab on users below a certain age group. Thus, it becomes doubly important for  parents and educators to ensure that students use the tool only to brainstorm, fact-check and supplement research, not to do their homework! Additionally, there’s tremendous risk of children falling victim to inappropriate content if they use AI tools without adult supervision.

Transparency and trust in the age of AI
Perplexity AI’s strength lies in its transparency. Every answer is equipped with linked citations, making it easier for users to trace the original sources. In contrast, Google’s model often leaves users to sift through multiple pages to verify information themselves. This small but significant difference redefines trust in the age of AI. With misinformation on the rise, users increasingly want search tools that not only summarise complex details but also show their work. Perplexity AI’s willingness to do so is a quiet yet powerful statement. It’s not trying to replace human research per se, but rather simplify it responsibly.

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Evolving rather than competing
The contrast between Google and Perplexity AI isn’t really about competition. It’s about evolution. From YouTube and Gmail to Maps and Meet, Google continues to rule the digital world with its massive network and ecosystem. But Perplexity AI has done what only a few platforms have managed so far - it has made people curious about the very act of searching again. As AI continues to evolve, the next era of discovery might not begin with a search bar - it might just start with a question. And soon enough, we may stop saying ‘just Google it’ and start mumbling, ‘ask Perplexity’.