As we are learning, artificial intelligence chatbots like Gemini can be mighty powerful.
They can also bevery wrong.
Gemini is a helpful research tool that can generate ideas and data.
However, before you roll playing with Gemini, remember the golden rule of fact-findingconsider the source.
Also, know the second rule:AI chatbots aren’t search engines.
Throw in sophisticated reasoning, and you have an extraordinary bank of information.
But begin your fishing expedition with skepticism because the first-generation multi-modal engine is far from perfect.
Support your search with more reliable sources likealternative search enginesand authoritative websites.
Look at the cited sources
In many cases, Gemini will mention the source.
If Gemini quotes directly from a web page, it will cite the page with a link.
Otherwise, for multiple sources, it will mention a popular website in brackets.
Review the citation and see if Gemini got the context right.
Is that link actually the best source for your answer?
Switch on the “Real-time responses” setting
Ensure that theReal-time responsessetting is turned on by default.
you might use these visual clues to review the answer or tweak your prompt.
To use a single extension, bang out your prompt and then enter@and pick the extension.
Then, hit the Submit button.
Double-check a response
After Gemini provides an answer, hit the button with the Google logo.
TheDouble-check a responsefeature is a built-in fact checker (using Google Search).
Click it, and Gemini will highlight parts of the answer in three different colors.
you could also selectUnderstand the resultsto see what each highlight stands for.
Text with a green highlight suggests similar content to the answer.
choose the downward arrows to read more from the source.
This feature of Gemini makes checking citations easier.
Orange highlights suggest differences or no relevant content was found.
This is where you have to dig manually for a bit.
Gemini also displays a few “Search related topics” below the response.
These open up more results on Google Search.
Google suggests you follow these best practices:
Use natural language.
Be clear and concise.
Use specific and relevant keywords.
Break down complex tasks into separate prompts.
End by fine-tuning Gemini’s responses
Tweak Gemini’s answers to help it match what you want.
Then, theModify selected text featurecan be used to tweak any selected part of the response.
Review all the drafts Gemini throws up.
