What is Perplexity AI? What parents need to know

Perplexity AI is a chatbot with similarities to ChatGPT and Google Gemini. It uses a large language model (LLM) to respond to questions from users. It’s free to use with premium options.

While Perplexity does share similarities with other chatbots, it also includes some unique features. These features tend to make it more suitable for help with research-based questions. This is because it includes citations directly in its responses to help guide users’ research.

As convenient as this is, it’s important to remember to check these citations for both accuracy and further information. Perplexity is a great ‘jumping off’ point, but should not be used to replace critical thinking and active research.

Minimum age requirements

According to Perplexity’s Terms of Service, users must be 13 or older to use the service. It also states that a parent or guardian should review and accept the terms on their child’s behalf.

Supporting this age minimum, Google Play rates the Perplexity app as requiring Parental Guidance. The Apple App Store says the app is suitable for 12+, though this goes against the Terms of Service outlined above.

If your child is under the age of 13, they should not use Perplexity without a parent or carer.

Like other chatbots, users can access Perplexity AI via their browser without logging in. There is also a Perplexity app available for both Android and iOS devices.

When starting out, users have various options. The first is highlighted topics below the query box like “parenting,” which provides suggested questions. If you’re new to the chatbot, this could be a good way of exploring how it works.

The second option is providing a prompt such as a question or task. You can type this prompt or use dictation to ask verbally.

By default, the chatbot is set on ‘Search’. This is the best setting for standard questions. However, for more specific or in-depth queries, there’s also:

• Research, which tells the chatbot to dive deeper into a topic. This can lead to “more sources, charts and advanced reasoning.”
• Labs, which can help users develop bigger projects that include documents, slides and more.

While all users can access ‘Search’, both ‘Research’ and ‘Labs’ require an account. Additionally, logged in users can only make 2 ‘Research’ queries per day while Labs also requires a subscription.

When writing a query or prompt, users can also attach files. However, you must subscribe to add more than 3 files per day.

While Perplexity says the platform is for those aged 13 and over, there are no age checks to confirm users’ ages. It also does not provide specific guidance in its Privacy Policy about how it handles the data of those under 18.

Perplexity collects data related to your account along with any contact information you include. It collects usage data as well as information shared as a part of prompts you enter. So, if a child shares sensitive information, Perplexity might save this data.

The platform must follow local data protection laws such as GDPR in the UK. This means that you have the right to:

• Request access to see your saved data;
• Ask the platform to delete your data.

To do this or ask other questions, you can contact Perplexity at privacy@perplexity.ai.

In addition to data and privacy, there are other risks to consider. However, you can put safeguards in place to help make the platform safer.

Perplexity safety settings

While you won’t have access to any parental controls on Perplexity, you can make use of some built-in safety features.

• Incognito mode: Click on your profile picture to open a menu and select incognito mode to keep your child’s query history from being saved. The downside is you can’t review their searches.
• AI data retention: In your child’s account preferences, you can turn off ‘AI data retention’. This will keep their data from being used to train AI models.

Perplexity offers great opportunities for teens’ learning or general skill-building. When used appropriately, it can help young people:

• Learn how to structure their writing;
• Learn how to cite and source their writing;
• Find resources to further their learning;
• Get support with revision and brainstorming;
• Develop skills around critical thinking and problem-solving.

However, you must teach young people the right ways to use AI tools to help them benefit.

Advice for using artificial intelligence safely

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Like all AI chatbots, there are risks to consider when using Perplexity AI.

Misinformation

Perplexity’s Research feature has received criticism for responding to questions with fake news and attributing it to real papers. If users don’t double-check the facts they receive from Perplexity, they may end up believing false information.

Data security

There have been concerns of flaws in Perplexity’s data and privacy measures. The Perplexity Android app is coded in a way that could leave users sensitive information exposed to hackers.

Overreliance

One risk of AI chatbots is that the user may become over-reliant on them. Children might try and use Perplexity to write their school work for them, which will result in them not learning and also most likely being caught by their teachers.

How to help young people use Perplexity AI safely

Using Perplexity can be beneficial for children. It can help them understand new concepts, research topics, quiz themselves and learn how to use AI. If your teen wants to use Perplexity, here are some tips to help them use it safely:

• Before your child uses Perplexity AI, you should ensure they have the critical thinking skills necessary to identify misinformation. Teach them to double-check any facts that Perplexity responds with, so that they don’t accidentally believe fake news. As Perplexity provides sources for its responses, children should read these to ensure the response reflects what’s in the paper.
  
• As Perplexity AI has security flaws, children should not share any personal or sensitive information with it.
  
• Help your child avoid over-reliance on Perplexity by setting clear boundaries. For example, they can use it to brainstorm ideas, but avoid it for maths homework.
  
• When your child begins using Perplexity, consider using it alongside them at first. This will allow them to learn from you and imitate your use of AI. It will also give you the chance to see if they are mature enough to be using AI.