We understand that AI chatbots like Gemini can be very powerful. They can also be very wrong. Gemini is a useful research tool for generating ideas and data. However, before you start playing with a Gemini, remember the golden rule of fact-finding – consider the source. Also, know the second rule: AI chatbots are not search engines.
Note: The tips and screenshots below are from Gemini Pro (free tier), which is the base version.
Start your research using only Gemini
Gemini can understand text, images, audio, and more. Add to that sophisticated reasoning and you have a remarkable reservoir of information. But start your fishing adventure with a grain of salt, because the first-generation multi-mode engines were far from perfect. Support your search with more reliable sources such as alternative search engines and authoritative websites.
Google warns not to rely on Gemini's responses for medical, legal, financial or other professional advice, and not to share personal information with data-hungry chatbots.
View cited sources
Many times, Gemini will mention the source. If Gemini refers directly from a web page, it will refer to that page via a link. Otherwise, for multiple sources, it mentions a popular website in brackets.
Review the citation and check that Gemini's context is correct. Is this link actually the best source for your answer?
Turn on Live Response settings
Make sure the Live Response setting is turned on by default. With this feature enabled, you can see Gemini's answers appear gradually, often line by line, rather than in a single block. This will make Gemini feel faster, but also allow you to see if Gemini is having trouble processing information or cues. You can use these visual clues to review answers or adjust the prompts.
Connect to other sources using Gemini extensions
Gemini and its applications can use extensions to get richer results; these extensions connect to several other Google services. For example, it can automatically receive travel-related tips from you and connect to Google Flights or Google Maps to provide customized answers. With YouTube as an extension and a massive search engine, you can tell Gemini to extract videos and the information within them to get more information.
To use a single extension, type the prompt, then enter @ and select the extension. Then, click the Submit button.
Check the reply carefully
After Gemini provides the answer, click the button with the Google logo. The Double Check Response feature is a built-in fact checker (use Google search). Click it and Gemini will highlight parts of the answer in three different colors. You can also select Understand results to see what each highlight means.
Text highlighted in green indicates content similar to the answer. Select the down arrow to read more from the source. This feature of Gemini makes checking citations easier.
Orange highlighting indicates a discrepancy or that no relevant content was found. This is where you have to dig manually.
Finally, no highlights means insufficient information - so if you're not confident, you can ignore this part of a Gemini's response.
Gemini also displays some "search related topics" below the responses. These can open more results on Google Search.
Keep practicing your rapid engineering skills
Ultimately, providing Gemini with more information and context through prompts is the best way to get better results. Google recommends following these best practices:
Use natural language.
Be clear and concise.
Provide context.
Use specific and relevant keywords.
Break down complex tasks into individual prompts.
Finally fine-tune Gemini’s reaction
Adapt Gemini's answer to help it fit your needs. You can edit the original prompt or use the three draft answers generated by the chatbot. The Modify Selected Text feature can then be used to adjust any selected part of the response. You can change the length of the response, modify the tone, or simply regenerate the entire content with more context.
View all drafts submitted by Gemini. Then, like or dislike those versions (with the " Good Response" and "Bad Response" thumb icons) so Gemini understands what's not quite right.
