I have been using DuckDuckGo for quite a while. It also has more privacy settings than google or firefox.

I have been using Duck Duck Go for years. I rarely use Google, and am glad to know that so far I have been somewhat shielded from the AI barrage.

"chispa: I have been using DuckDuckGo for quite a while. It also has more privacy settings than google or firefox."

Firefox is a browser, not a search engine. I use DuckDuckGo occasionally ... accessed via Firefox browser by typing in duckduckgo.com.

I found info a while ago that adding -ai to a Google search eliminates the AI results.

Dadoes, thanks for the tip. My biggest complaint about AI, especially Perplexity and Chat GPT, is that my husband gets lost down rabbit holes and finally comes to bed hours after he had planned. He's always been prone to obsessions, but now he's even more sleep-deprived than ever.

However, this excellent podcast is about a great use for AI -- getting back at phone scammers.

https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-331-this-is-phoebe-judge-from-the-irs-9-5-2025

I'm already detesting it, and it is in INFANCY.

I find the AI mock-ups in the discussions on Houzz to be awful. AI will "fix" proportions or other things. People get a pretty image and think they can actually achieve it. Plants get shrunk or grown to fit the space. Windows get adjusted, asymmetry removed, lighting fixed, etc.

https://futurism.com/ai-browser-hackers-drain-bank-account-public-reddit-post

"You can literally get prompt injected and your bank account drained by doomscrolling on Reddit."

@Jupidupi Perplexity is mentioned in this article and there is a link to ChatGPT as well.

https://futurism.com/hackers-trick-chatgpt-personal-data

Tracefloyd's hacker/scam tactics used with AI is new to me, and just another good reason I made my bank account hack proof.

I use US bank for deposits, pay bills and a credit card with an online account. When the Balance becomes large I withdraw a big chunk in a cashiers check and drive to my credit union to deposit it into different accounts no one including this new AI scam can get to.

I have my Credit union accounts set up with NO internet access, I must be present face to face with a photo ID and give them my secret security password to make ANY transaction. NO internet account can be created and NO phone transactions made.

I like it this and helps me sleep easier knowing a scammer could get is $10,000 to $20,000 from my bank account but not a penny of my life savings from the credit union. I prefer security over convince, and if for some reason the credit union fails to follow my orders on the accounts the credit union is 100% responsible for returning my stolen funds because of their neglect.

I hate AI because of the deception involved and laws need to be make to control how it's used, with every photo or video watermarked as AI generated and the creator. Violation will win the creator to a one year vacation in a maximum security El Salvador prison with a fine large enough to cover the expenses.

I get it that designers, decorators, arcitects etc. are not crazy about AI. The reality is its getting better everyday. night and day difference from even 6 months ago. I used it to decorate my newly renovated home. For swapping out furniture ideas, book shelf contents, light fixtures, door knobs and other hardware its incredible. I own retail stores. It is an incredible tool for merchandising, store concepts etc.. The reality is its here so learn how to use it.

I agree with Britt. AI may not get every detail right, but I find it very useful for inspiration in design or to sketch out ideas.

I loathe AI and really wish the folks who quote and/or recommend its “ideas” and “designs” would cut it out.

Signed, Mrs. Crankypants.