Reflecting on SearchGPT: What I Need from a Search Engine

Following the announcement of SearchGPT, I eagerly signed up for early access. While I wait, I am contemplating what I truly need from a search engine. Do I even need a new one? What are the shortcomings of traditional search engines that SearchGPT could address?

Current Usage of ChatGPT and Google Search

I already use ChatGPT extensively for research-style searches. Though I haven’t configured it as my default homepage yet, it’s my go-to for obtaining facts and opinions about places, objects, people, and historical moments. I am aware of the drawbacks, such as the risk of inaccuracy, the potential staleness of data, and the occasional presentation of falsehoods as truths. I factor these in and decide in a split second whether to use Google Search or ChatGPT.

Having used Google Search for decades and ChatGPT for 18 months, I have developed an instinct for which tool will efficiently provide the depth of information I require. Some questions don’t need 100% accuracy—they can be “good enough.” For others, I need exact answers and confidence in the source.

Google Search Techniques

Over time, I’ve learned several useful Google command-line parameters to refine search results. Commands like “filetype:pdf"” help retrieve PDF documents, filtering out noise and accessing more substantial content. Using “site:somedomain.com” allows me to search from a particular source, often outperforming the source’s own search engine and bypassing ads, paywalls, and cookie consent messages.

Google’s ability to pull certain information, like the current time in another country or local movie times, and place it at the top of the results is handy. For other queries, I spend an extra second refining the search with full phrases in quotes or additional keywords. I have a low tolerance for repeated searches and paging through results, so I aim to get what I need from the first page of results.

This implies I usually know what I’m looking for and the sources I trust. For recent news, results from reliable outlets like the BBC or major UK newspapers suffice to summarize the story. I don't mind which article provides this type of information, any source from tens of different versions available is good enough.

Changing Search Behaviors

Search behaviors vary throughout the day and based on context. During meal times, I search for cooking instructions, recipes, and calorie counts. In the evening, searches might involve planning for the next day’s weather or shopping during TV drama breaks. On the move, searches fulfil basic needs like finding the nearest toilet, coffee, or pint of Guinness.

What Could SearchGPT Offer?

Sensible Result Depth If it’s a simple question, I expect a simple answer presented efficiently. For example, asking where the nearest toilet is should yield a response like, “Continue 200 yards further down Oxford Street heading East.” I don’t need paragraphs about the history of toilets or sanitation challenges. For prominent historical figures like Winston Churchill, a longer, more detailed response is appropriate, but it should still be quick to scan with sensible follow-up question suggestions.

Sources While I don’t need sources by default, a command-line parameter to display relevant sources would be useful. It would be beneficial to have an option to include information only if the source can be quoted.

Live or Very Recent Information SearchGPT should consider whether live or recent information is needed and comment on the accuracy of the data. For example, asking, “Are the trains running from York to London today?” requires a reliable, recent source with a timestamp.

Find Similar (or Distant) This feature could be a significant opportunity for SearchGPT. Uploading an article, book extract, picture, etc., and asking for similar items with reasons why would be incredibly useful. Conversely, seeking recommendations for something entirely different, like a movie unrelated to the Marvel universe, could be fun.

Navigation and Optimum Route Finding I dislike following Google or Apple Maps directions on foot. Seeking and following directions could be improved. For instance, “Tell me the fastest way on foot to Wembley Stadium from here, via at least two pubs, one serving food.”

Opinion, Arguments, and Summaries While Google is good at finding facts, deeper research often requires reading opinions, arguments, and context around a topic. For example, reading reports on a high-profile news event from the perspective of different countries' reporters can be enlightening. Such searches could aid in fact-checking or evaluating diverse opinions. “What do people really think of Donald Trump in America? Consolidate and summarize a diverse set of opinions.”

History and Memory I don’t need a search history or memory for learning. My searches are usually random and don’t benefit from previous context. If I want to save results, I’ll do so manually. If additional context is needed, I’ll create predefined search prompts.

In summary, SearchGPT has the potential to fill gaps left by traditional search engines and even ChatGPT. By providing sensible result depths, reliable sources, live information, and advanced search functionalities, it could revolutionise how we search and consume information.