AI is everywhere right now, and honestly, it can get kind of overwhelming. There are so many tools, and they all promise to do everything. I used to just pick one and hope for the best, but now I try to use each for what it’s actually good at. Here’s how I think about it.
ChatGPT: My Go-To for Almost Everything
I usually start with ChatGPT when I need help with school or any creative stuff. Essays, blog posts, coding, even explaining confusing topics—it’s super flexible. I like that I can ask it to explain something in simple terms, or give me ideas when I’m stuck.
I use ChatGPT for:
- Brainstorming ideas for projects or essays
- Drafting writing, whether it’s for school or something fun
- Debugging code or learning something tricky
- Organizing my thoughts or planning stuff
It’s like having a friend who’s good at a little bit of everything and is always ready to help.
Gemini: The Google Helper
Gemini is Google’s AI, so it works best with Docs, Gmail, Slides, and Drive. If you spend most of your school life in Google tools, it makes things way easier. Plus, it’s connected to Google Search, so the info is usually up-to-date.
I use Gemini when:
- I’m researching for a paper or project
- I want to work directly in Docs or Slides
- I need to mix text, images, or even video in one place
- I want to quickly pull info from Google without switching tabs
Basically, Gemini feels like a helpful teammate if your life is stuck in Google.
Grok: The Trendy One
Grok is built into X (Twitter) and it’s all about culture and trends. Unlike ChatGPT, it has a personality—opinionated, sarcastic, and sometimes funny. I use it when I want to catch up on what’s trending or just get a quick, informal take on something.
I use Grok when:
- I want a summary of what’s trending on X
- I’m looking for a quick, informal answer with personality
- I want to see the latest memes or cultural stuff without scrolling endlessly
It’s not about being precise, but it’s entertaining and helpful for staying in the loop.
Perplexity: The Reliable One
Perplexity is my go-to for research or anything that needs to be accurate. It shows sources, so you can actually check where the info comes from. I usually use it for school assignments or when I want trustworthy facts.
I use Perplexity when:
- I need citations for a paper or project
- I want to double-check facts
- I’m researching something technical or scientific
- I want to save info into Collections for later
It’s like the friend who always brings receipts and keeps everyone honest.
Quick Cheat Sheet
- Need ideas, drafts, or creativity? → ChatGPT
- Mostly in Google Docs/Drive? → Gemini
- Want trending culture + humor? → Grok
- Need facts you can trust? → Perplexity
Instead of trying to make one AI do everything, I think of them like teammates. ChatGPT and Gemini help me create. Grok keeps me in the loop with trends. And Perplexity makes sure I don’t get called out for making stuff up.
