What Is Perplexity AI? And Is It Safe?

Updated – Originally published June 26, 2024

One of the newest AI tools making news is Perplexity AI.  Below, we will explore Perplexity AI and the main concerns parents might have, while also offering some insights into keeping your kids safe in the digital age.

What is Perplexity AI?

According to its website, Perplexity is an “AI-powered answer engine for fast, trustworthy research.” 

Perplexity AI “combines live web search with multiple leading AI models to give you up-to-date answers, backed by citations you can verify.”

In other words, Perplexity AI is an advanced AI chatbot designed to provide quick and accurate answers to users’ questions. Unlike traditional search engines, which offer a list of search results, Perplexity AI delivers concise answers directly. 

It uses natural language processing to understand and respond to user queries in a conversational way.

Perplexity Pro, Perplexity’s subscription model, offers “unlimited research, unlimited file uploads, exclusive Pro Perks and more.”

How does Perplexity AI work?

Perplexity AI leverages a large language model (LLM) to process and understand user queries. This model allows the AI to generate accurate and relevant responses quickly. 

When users ask Perplexity AI a question, it will search the web, analyze the information, and provide a brief response. This approach makes it a powerful AI search engine, capable of offering real time information.

Perplexity’s ability to ask clarifying questions ensures that it fully understands the user’s intent, leading to more accurate responses. By mimicking human conversation, Perplexity AI makes interacting with technology feel more natural and intuitive.

Is Perplexity AI better than ChatGPT?

In May 2024, ChatGPT received 2.69 billion visits to its website, while Perplexity got 67.42 million. Clearly, ChatGPT is better known. But when comparing Perplexity AI to ChatGPT, it’s essential to consider their unique strengths. 

Perplexity AI excels in delivering precise, concise answers, making it ideal for quick information retrieval. It focuses on providing a direct response without overwhelming the user with too much information. Perplexity also cites sources with each response, giving the user additional resources for further learning.

On the other hand, ChatGPT is known for its versatility in generating more extensive and detailed responses. It can engage in longer conversations and offer more in-depth insights. 

Both tools have their benefits, but Perplexity AI stands out for parents looking for straightforward answers to support their children’s learning.

How is Perplexity AI different from ChatGPT?

According to multiple Reddit threads, user tests, and more, there are a few main differences between Perplexity and ChatGPT.

Perplexity is great for deep research and fact-checking

Perplexity is best-used for providing up-to-date information, the latest research, answering academic questions, and fact-checking your work.

Because Perplexity is great at citing sources, it’s a useful tool for projects that require in-depth research and summarizing complicated topics in an easily-digestible way. 

Some Reddit users have also praised Spaces, which is a tool on Perplexity that lets users “organize your Searches and Threads by topic or project, creating a centralized hub for managing and collaborating on research.”

ChatGPT is a great conversational assistant

ChatGPT, on the other hand, is a great AI assistant. It’s good at solving general queries and holding conversations. 

It’s also a great creative tool—it can help brainstorm, write articles, and even code. ChatGPT is good at providing educational or topical explanations, but because it doesn’t provide the same quality of sourcing as Perplexity, any information it provides should be fact-checked.

Who owns Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI was founded by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. Srinivas holds a PhD in computer science and previously worked at Google and OpenAI.

The founding team brings backgrounds in AI research, machine learning, and large-scale technology development, shaping Perplexity’s focus on fast, research-driven answers. Under their leadership, the company has grown rapidly and reached a reported valuation of $20 billion in 2025.

Can Perplexity AI generate images?

Yes, Perplexity can generate AI images. According to their website, “You can now ask Perplexity to generate and edit images by asking questions.”

Perplexity does place limits on image generation. Requests that include explicit or otherwise restricted content may be blocked, and users will be notified if an image can’t be generated due to content restrictions.

Is Perplexity  safe for kids?

The short answer is yes, with some caveats. Like any AI tool, Perplexity AI can be safe for kids if used responsibly. It’s designed to provide accurate and concise answers, which can be beneficial for educational purposes. 

It’s also worth noting that Perplexity doesn’t have any parental controls for kids beyond their general guidelines and, like an AI tool, it can make mistakes. Parental supervision is crucial to ensure that the content accessed is appropriate and that the tool is used within safe boundaries.

Safety concerns with Perplexity AI

While Perplexity AI is a powerful tool, it’s essential to be aware of potential safety concerns. One significant consideration is the accuracy of the information it provides.

Although the AI strives to deliver precise answers, there is always a risk of encountering incorrect or misleading information. Parents should guide their children on verifying facts and cross-referencing information from reliable sources. 

Reliable sources include reputable media outlets, experts, and academics (beware of biases even from these sources). Unreliable sources include those found on social media, blogs, and wikipedia.

Responses from Perplexity AI usually come back with sources listed. By clicking on the source, users are directed to other websites for further reading. But because they lead to the open web, there is also a risk of encountering unexpected material.Although Perplexity AI aims to provide safe and relevant answers, the vastness of the internet means there is always a possibility of exposure to inappropriate content. 

Teaching responsible AI use

To ensure your child uses Perplexity AI safely, educate them on responsible AI use. Encourage them to ask thoughtful questions and understand the importance of verifying information. Discuss the potential risks and guide them on navigating the digital world safely.

Setting clear boundaries on when and how your child can use AI tools is also crucial. Establish rules for usage, such as only accessing Perplexity AI on shared devices where you can monitor their activity. This approach helps in creating a safe and controlled environment for using the technology.

Alternatives and supplements

If you feel your child might not be ready to handle an AI tool like Perplexity AI responsibly, consider starting them with kid-safe personal devices. These devices are designed without open web browsers or social media to help children stay connected without exposure to harmful content.

Additionally, you can explore educational platforms and tools specifically designed for children, such as ABC Mouse, Khan Academy Kids, and Kids Encyclopedia. 

Parenting through AI concerns

AI technology is rapidly evolving, and tools like Perplexity AI offer exciting opportunities for learning and growth. For parents, understanding these tools and their potential benefits and risks is crucial. By staying informed and actively participating in your child’s digital education, you can ensure they use AI safely and effectively.

If your child isn’t ready to use an AI tool independently, setting clear expectations around shared device use can help. For some families, delaying access or choosing devices that limit internet exposure altogether may be the better option.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and share your experiences with Perplexity AI or any other AI tools you’ve tried.