ChatGPT: How Search And Chat Combined Are Changing The Way We Explore

ChatGPT has rolled out its search function to all users, offering real-time web browsing, interactive maps, and even video playback—all within a single conversation. On devices like the iPhone 16 or 15 Pro, users can now combine voice chats with this new search capability. Whether you’re looking for holiday events, restaurant suggestions, or tips on how to say “Happy New Year” in French, German, or Korean, ChatGPT delivers information in a fluid, back-and-forth exchange.

This marks a notable shift in how we interact with the internet. Since 2000s, search engines have defined the way we access information—isolated queries, links, and lists of results.

Now, chat is redefining the experience, offering not just data but dialogue, context, and actionable insights—all in one place. Combining search with chat in AI tools marks a shift that will transform how people work, learn, socialize, entertain, and access and use information.

From “Search” to “Chat”

The shift from searching the web to chatting with AI changes the process we interact with the virtual world. Instead of typing keywords, scrolling through links, and manually piecing together information, conversational AI invites exploration of synthesized messages built on multiple rounds of chats on multiple facets of a topic.

Imagine planning a trip: “Search” offers fragmented results—lists of flights, blog posts about destinations, and ads for hotels. But “chat” unfolds as a dialogue. You might start with: Where should I visit in Indonesia for the next summer? Then refine: What historical sites should I see in Java? Why are they significant? From there, you can further the conversation with questions such as: What festivals are happening during my trip? What local customs should I be ware of? Can you recommend books or films about Indonesia’s history? Can you tell me something about the spice trade between Indonesia and Europe in the 17th century? I am a textile collector. How to appreciate Indonesian textile? Are there local workshops where I can learn its traditional techniques during my visit? Within minutes, ChatGPT can synthesize practical suggestions, historical contexts, and cultural recommendations—all in a single, coherent conversation.

Chat also excels at action-based queries—the kinds of “how” questions that demand clarity, structure, and guidance. Want to learn to play piano? Fix a bike? Bake a specific dish? A single conversation might progress through step-by-step instructions, suggested videos, and tailored follow-ups. You can try questions along these lines:

• How do I get started?
• What techniques should I focus on first?
• Can you show me a video demonstration?

This integrated approach can help users learn new skills more efficiently. Instead of hopping between searches, links, and videos, users get focused, conversational coaching that keeps them engaged and progressing.

Upskill Your Chats By Asking Better Questions

The shift to chat is not just a technological change. It’s a cognitive one. Search encouraged precision—finding the right keywords, skimming links, and extracting what was needed. Chat, by contrast, encourages exploration and synthesis through a set of interconnected questions and answers. It’s adaptive and conversational, allowing users to ask follow-ups, shift directions, and uncover deeper layers of information.

To navigate this new era effectively, we need to treat AI chats as tools for inquiry, not shortcuts. Asking thoughtful, multi-dimensional questions—exploring why, how, and what if—can help us unlock deeper understanding.

Chat is poised to transform how we learn, work, and solve problems. In education, it can guide students through complex topics step by step. In business, it can help professionals brainstorm ideas or synthesize research. In everyday life, it simplifies tasks like planning travel, learning new skills, or troubleshooting issues.

The challenge will be to use chat thoughtfully. Just as search required us to master keywords, conversational AI will reward those who can frame precise, thoughtful prompts. The skill of the future lies in asking better questions.

Navigating Potential Risks

But this ease comes with risks. When AI delivers polished, synthesized answers, there’s a temptation to accept them at face value. Over-reliance on chat tools could weaken critical thinking, reducing the habit of verifying facts or questioning sources.

The generated content, though sophisticated, may lack accuracy, misinterpret context, or rely on outdated information. Excessive dependence on these tools without verifying facts can lead to mistakes or misinformation. To use AI effectively, treat its answers as a starting point, not the final word. Cross-check with trusted sources, ask follow-up questions, reach out to human experts, and remain critical of the information provided to ensure reliability and depth.

From the early days of static web pages to the rise of search engines that helped us navigate the digital world, the internet has continually reshaped how we access knowledge. Now, the combination of chat and search is set to redefine that interaction. Instead of merely searching for answers, we’ll engage in conversations to uncover insights, connections, and possibilities—reshaping not just what we know, but how we think.