Perplexity

What it is

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that combines large language models with live web search. Users ask questions in natural language and receive summarised answers with cited sources, positioning it as a research-oriented alternative to traditional search engines.

Maker & Origin

Perplexity is developed by Perplexity AI, Inc., a private technology company founded in 2022 and based in the United States.

Website

https://www.perplexity.ai

Primary Educational Uses

  • Research and inquiry-based learning support
  • Generating overviews of complex topics with sources
  • Modelling effective questioning and information literacy
  • Teacher background research and lesson preparation
  • Supporting senior students with annotated research starting points

Age Limits & Student Suitability

  • No explicit minimum age published
  • Generally more appropriate for secondary students (Years 7–12) and teachers
  • Younger students would require supervision and clear use guidelines
  • Requires students to evaluate sources critically

Data Privacy & Safety

  • User prompts and interactions are processed on Perplexity’s servers
  • A public privacy policy exists, but no school- or child-specific data protections are clearly stated
  • Not explicitly positioned as FERPA-, COPPA-, or GDPR-for-schools compliant
  • Accounts may be required for some features
  • Not recommended for entering personal or student-identifiable data

ST4S Status

❌ No ST4S badge yet verified

Pros for Classroom Use

  • Provides citations and links, supporting transparency
  • Encourages research skills beyond simple answer generation
  • Faster than traditional search for topic overviews
  • Useful modelling tool for teachers demonstrating inquiry processes

Cons & Limitations

  • Answers may still contain errors or oversimplifications
  • Source quality varies and must be checked
  • Not designed specifically for K–12 classroom management
  • Privacy assurances may not meet all school system requirements
  • Requires reliable internet access

📌 Summary

Perplexity is best viewed as a research support and inquiry modelling tool, particularly effective for teachers and older secondary students. Its strength lies in source-linked responses, making it useful for teaching research skills. However, due to limited K–12-specific privacy assurances and lack of ST4S listing, it is better suited to guided, policy-aligned use rather than unrestricted student access.

Data generated from this GPT agent.

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