22 From curiosity to creativity
Kirti Peeyoosh, Postgraduate Student, Computer Science AI, United Kingdom
I started using GenAI tools, especially Perplexity, mainly to learn about topics I wasn’t familiar with, like geopolitics, which I always found a bit overwhelming. What drew me to Perplexity over other AI tools was how it feels less robotic and more like having a conversation with someone who’s done all the homework for you.
When I have a question, I simply type it in, and Perplexity’s Deep Research mode digs into dozens of sources, sifts through the details, and then presents a summary that’s clear and easy to understand. It’s almost like having a research partner who does the heavy lifting, but still lets me focus on what matters, understanding the big picture and making sense of complex issues.
I use GenAI tools like Perplexity and Character AI primarily to expand my knowledge in areas where I’m less familiar, such as geopolitics. When I have a question or want to understand a complex topic, I turn to Perplexity because it acts as an AI-powered search engine, pulling information from a wide range of reliable sources and presenting it with clear citations. This helps me get accurate, up-to-date answers quickly, making it ideal for research or fact-checking.
Character AI, on the other hand, offers a more conversational and creative approach. It allows me to interact with AI personas that can explain concepts in a more engaging, human-like way. I find that Character AI’s responses often feel more handwritten and less robotic compared to some other tools, which makes the information easier to digest and remember.
GenAI has really changed the way I learn and approach new topics. For example, I use tools like Cursor and Google’s AI-powered courses to dive into coding and tech concepts. Whenever I get stuck or can’t see a solution from a different angle, GenAI helps me break through that block. I can type in my idea or the problem I’m facing, and instantly get new perspectives, tips, or even step-by-step guidance that I might not have thought of on my own.
What I appreciate most is how GenAI lets me brainstorm freely
What I appreciate most is how GenAI lets me brainstorm freely. If I’m writing code or working on a project and hit a wall, I ask the AI to suggest alternative approaches or explain things more simply. This saves me a lot of time and keeps me motivated, because I don’t have to wait for someone else to help me out. The feedback is immediate, and I can try out suggestions right away, which makes learning feel more interactive and less frustrating.
