KI-Kompass #03 - for mediation, coaching and counselling
(06.02.2025, 12-13 h)

Preparatory work and research with Perplexity

Perplexity AI - The answer machine of the future?

What is Perplexity AI?

  • Perplexity AI is a Artificial intelligence (AI)specially designed for Search and answers was developed.
  • It combines the classic Google search with the AI-supported language processing from tools like ChatGPT.
  • Unlike Google, Perplexity not only provides links, but also direct answers with References.
  • It was developed 2022 from Aravind Srinivasa former OpenAI employee.
  • The company is based in San Francisco and is operated by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Nvidiafinancially supported.

How does Perplexity work?

  • Direct web connection: It directly accesses current internet sources to.
  • Two versions:
    • Free version with GPT-3.5 and its own language model.
    • Pro version for 20$ per month with GPT-4 and other advanced models.
  • Search field like Googlebut with direct answers instead of just links.
  • Sources always visible - Users can click directly on the original pages.
  • Conversation leaderUsers can submit their questions refine and further questionsto get more precise answers.
  • Mobile use: Available as App for Android and iOS and as Chrome extension.

How does Perplexity differ from Google and ChatGPT?

Google ChatGPT Perplexity
Result List with links Text-based response without current sources Direct response with current sources
AI support None Language model without web connection Language model with direct web connection
References Yes, but only as links Mostly no or hallucinated sources Clear and clickable references
Interaction None Capable of dialogue, but limited knowledge base Dialogue-capable with current web search

Examples of use in counselling

  • Mediators and counsellors can quickly bring themselves up to date.
  • Example: A mediator who No divorce mediation for two years has made, Perplexity can be legal changes ask.
  • Results could be:
    • New naming law from May 2025: Spouses and children can have double names.
    • Current maintenance rules from the Düsseldorf table.
    • Tax adjustments in marriage and family law.

Advantages of Perplexity AI

  • Faster researchYou save time because you don't have to search through all the links first.
  • Current answersUnlike ChatGPT, Perplexity is based on daily updated sources.
  • Trusted sourcesNo hallucinated sources as with other AI models.
  • Capacity for dialogue: Questions can be refined and developed further.
  • Mobile use: Through the App and the Browser extension.

Potential risks and challenges

  • Tantalising simplicity: The answers often appear very professional, but should be always cross-checked become.
  • Bias in the sourcesThe sources used may pursue a particular direction or agenda.
  • Not all sources are transparentPerplexity shows sources, but the ranking of the search results remains unclear.

Conclusion

  • Perplexity AI is a mixture of Google and ChatGPT with clear advantages for the Research and counselling.
  • The direct answers with sources make it particularly valuable for professionals who need up-to-date information.
  • Ideal for mediators, counsellors and researcherswho want to bring themselves up to date quickly.
  • Nevertheless: Don't blindly trust the answers! Always check for yourself.

Checklist for the use of Perplexity AI

✅ Is the answer logical and comprehensible? ✅ Are the sources Serious and trustworthy? ✅ Is there alternative sourcesto confirm the information? ✅ Is the Question precise enough or should it be refined? ✅ Is a Pro version required for a fee or is the free version enough?

Glossary

  • Künstliche Intelligenz (AI) / Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Machines that imitate human intelligence.
  • Sprachmodell / Language Model - AI that understands and generates texts.
  • Perplexity AI - An AI-supported search and response engine.
  • Generative AI / Generative AI - AI that creates new content.
  • Quellenangabe / Source attribution - Indication of the original source of information.
  • Browser Extension / Browser Extension - An add-on programme for web browsers.
  • Chatbot - Software that simulates human conversations.
  • Bias / Distortion - Systematic errors in AI algorithms due to biased data.
  • Crawler / Web Crawler - Programmes that search and index the Internet.
  • GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) - A language model from OpenAI.

AI compass for mediation, coaching and counselling?

  • Mediation, coaching and counselling take place in a different context today than they did 10 years ago.
  • We and our clients use tools that were unthinkable five years ago. Our training, mental concepts and practical interventions will (have to) adapt to this.
  • But not only our counselling environment, but also our business environment has already changed considerably: Anyone who works successfully and happily as a mediator, coach or counsellor today can be sure that circumstances and conditions have contributed to this that no longer exist today.
  • The impact of this change on training in mediation, coaching and counselling (of people) cannot be estimated at the present time.
  • Our routines in training and counselling are more for our mental well-being („Hide“), but by no means for cleverly navigating this unknown terrain, which hardly seems worth exploring today because it threatens to be completely different tomorrow.

Nevertheless, the AI compass wants to make steps possible.

Because those who learn to move in the unknown today,

is in good practice for tomorrow.

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