Why I Stopped Using Google Search

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the need for efficient and reliable search engines is paramount. For years, Google has been the undisputed leader in this domain, with a market share of over 90%. However, as a user, I have decided today to switch from Google search to ChatGPT, which is now integrated into Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge. In this article, I will explain why I made this decision and how ChatGPT has become my preferred search engine.

The first reason why I switched to ChatGPT is its ability to understand natural language. Google search relies heavily on keywords and is often unable to comprehend the nuances of human language. This can lead to irrelevant search results or frustrating experiences where users must refine their queries multiple times to obtain satisfactory results. ChatGPT, on the other hand, is designed to understand natural language queries, making it easier and more efficient to obtain relevant information. Whether you are searching for a specific fact or trying to complete a complex research project, ChatGPT's natural language processing capabilities make it a more user-friendly and effective search engine.

Another reason why I prefer ChatGPT is its integration with Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge. As a Windows user, I find it convenient to have my search engine seamlessly integrated into my operating system and web browser. With ChatGPT, I can simply type my query into the search bar in Microsoft Edge or use the search widget on my Windows 11 desktop, and receive instant and accurate results without ever having to leave the platform. This integration also allows for easy access to relevant information, such as weather forecasts, sports scores, and news updates, all from within the same interface.

In addition, I appreciate ChatGPT's commitment to privacy and security. Google has faced criticism in recent years for its data collection practices and lack of transparency around user privacy. With ChatGPT, I feel more confident that my search queries and personal information are being kept secure and private. Microsoft has made significant strides in recent years to improve its privacy policies and protect user data, making ChatGPT a more trustworthy option for those concerned about online privacy.

Overall, there are several compelling reasons why I have switched to ChatGPT from Google search. Its natural language processing capabilities, integration with Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge, and commitment to privacy and security all make it a more user-friendly and trustworthy option. As digital technology continues to evolve, it is important to consider alternative search engines like ChatGPT, which offer unique and valuable features to users.

Note: ChatGPT wrote this intro of itself in the first-person perspective or point of view using a simple prompt. Now, in my own words, for a bit. <smile>

But nothing more important to me is its ability do research at lightning speed and with pinpoint accuracy--99% of time. For example, I tried early this morning to conduct a search on the legality of driving a dune buggy on the streets of Alabama. So, I began my search using Google by asking the search engine semantically “can I drive a Meyers Manx dune buggy on the street in Alabama". My reason for doing so was Meyers Manx is about to release an electric version of their iconic VW gas powered dune buggy. The result is displayed in the image below.

As you can see from the image, the results returned equate to a hell of lot of research yet to be done. This was all fine and dandy and fully expected up until the advent of ChatGPT and other emerging AI chat engines.

Now, refer to the image below for a comparison of the search vs. chat results. As you can surmise, the answer is far more helpful, and I didn’t have to perform a stitch of research for a quick, albeit incomplete answer (it did not give me a checklist of items in order to determine if the dune buggy can indeed pass inspection). One reason for this is due to the current limitations of information on the all-new electric version of the Meyers Manx dune buggy. However, it did give me enough information or hope that I could indeed drive the vehicle on the streets of Alabama. Some states outright ban any kind of off-road vehicle similar to it (think UTVs). ??

That said, I’ll leave it up to ChatGPT to describe a little history behind the Meyers Manx dune buggy that I first drove in the late 1970’s as a kid. Again, yet another example of how ChatGPT’s Plus' wonderful capabilities and performance is compared to Google Search, as the text below was completely generated all within ten seconds! Here we go…

The Meyers Manx dune buggy is an iconic vehicle that has captured the imaginations of car enthusiasts and adventurers for over half a century. With its classic design and off-road capabilities, the Manx has become a symbol of freedom and exploration. However, many people are curious about the legality of driving a dune buggy on public roads. In this article, we will explore the history of the Meyers Manx and whether or not it is street legal in some states.

The Meyers Manx was first created in 1964 by Bruce Meyers, a surfer and mechanic from Southern California. Meyers wanted to build a lightweight, versatile vehicle that could traverse the sandy beaches and rugged terrain of the West Coast. He combined the chassis of a Volkswagen Beetle with a fiberglass body and modified suspension, creating a vehicle that was both agile and durable. The Manx quickly gained a following among off-road enthusiasts and became a cultural icon of the 1960s and 70s.

Despite its popularity, the Meyers Manx has had a somewhat tumultuous history with regards to its street legality. In the early days of the Manx, it was often used as a recreational vehicle and was not subject to the same regulations as traditional cars. However, as dune buggies became more popular and began to be used on public roads, regulators took notice.

In the United States, the legality of driving a dune buggy on public roads varies from state to state. Some states, such as Arizona and Texas, allow dune buggies to be registered and driven on public roads with certain restrictions, such as a requirement for a windshield and turn signals. Other states, such as California and Florida, have stricter regulations that make it more difficult to drive a dune buggy on public roads.

In California, for example, dune buggies are classified as "specially constructed vehicles" and must pass certain safety and emissions standards before they can be registered for street use. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, and many dune buggy owners choose to use their vehicles only off-road or on private property.

In Florida, dune buggies are subject to similar regulations and must meet certain safety standards before they can be registered. However, there are some exceptions for antique or vintage dune buggies that were built before 1974.

In conclusion, the Meyers Manx dune buggy has a rich history as a versatile and iconic vehicle. However, its street legality varies from state to state and is subject to certain safety and emissions regulations. Before driving a dune buggy on public roads, it is important to research the specific regulations in your state and ensure that your vehicle meets all necessary standards. While the Meyers Manx may not be street legal in every state, it remains a beloved symbol of freedom and adventure for off-road enthusiasts.

P.S. This entire article took only 45 minutes to generate, write, and grab the necessary graphics, and then edit. Otherwise, it would have taken roughly two to three days of research, writing and editing to produce the same content.