Why I’ve Officially Replaced Google With Something Better

I’ve always been inquisitive. My mind is constantly turning, needing to know how things work or what something means. Whether I’m writing, brainstorming, or just following a random curiosity, I find myself diving deep into research more often than not.

Like many writers, I’ve relied heavily on Google. And like many writers, I’ve found myself stuck in what I call The Search Spiral—where one simple query turns into an hour-long deep dive, often ending up far from where I started. More and more, I’ve noticed Google prioritizes ads and sponsored content, pulling me away from the core information I was actually looking for.

Then I discovered something better. Surprisingly better.

I started using ChatGPT for my research. I type in what I need—specific questions, context around the topic, even obscure details—and within seconds, I get clear, concise information, complete with references and even follow-up suggestions if I want to dig deeper.

No ads. No sponsored distractions. Just the information I asked for.

It’s become my go-to research assistant.

Now, let me be clear: I don’t use AI to write my stories. That’s my creative space, and I believe in keeping the art of storytelling human. But for research? For organizing thoughts? For getting quick answers that used to take me forever to hunt down? AI has been a game-changer.

Still, not everyone in the writing community feels the same. I’ve even had an author refuse to be interviewed for my podcast because I use an AI-generated voice for narration. They told me they didn’t want anything to do with AI.

I get it. AI can feel like a threat to creativity. But it’s also a powerful tool—if you use it wisely. I don’t believe it should replace the writer, but I absolutely believe it can support the writer. It helps me write faster, research smarter, and stay focused on what matters most: the storytelling.

So, if you’re a fellow writer who’s still skeptical, I encourage you to give it a shot. Use it as a tool—not a crutch—and see how it changes your process. You might be surprised by how much easier your writing life becomes.