What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity AI is an AI-powered search and answer engine that combines language models with real-time web data to deliver accurate, cited responses. It can be used to research topics, summarize articles, explore academic questions, and find sources quickly and efficiently.
How It Can Be Used:
- Gathering general information on a topic
- Summarizing complex material
- Locating credible sources with citations
- Generating ideas or questions for further research
Prompt Rules and Recommendations:
- Be specific and clear in your question
- Use keywords or full questions (e.g., “What are the causes of climate change?”)
- Include context when possible (e.g., academic level or subject focus)
- Review linked sources for accuracy before citing
When to Cite Perplexity AI:
Perplexity AI is a valuable academic tool when used responsibly. Always evaluate and verify the sources it provides. Cite Perplexity when quoting or paraphrasing its AI-generated content, but cite the original source directly when referencing information it links to.
- Cite it when you reference a unique summary, interpretation, or insight directly provided by Perplexity AI.
- Do not cite it when you're only using it to discover or locate original sources that you then read and cite directly.
Citation Examples:
APA (7th ed.):
Perplexity AI. (n.d.). [Response to user query about climate change]. https://www.perplexity.ai
MLA (9th ed.):
Perplexity AI. Response to user query about climate change. Perplexity, https://www.perplexity.ai.
Chicago (17th ed., Author-Date):
Perplexity AI. n.d. “Response to User Query about Climate Change.” Accessed April 5, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai.