Breaking Down Billion-Dollar Revenues: How Much Top Tech Companies Earn Per Employee

The massive profits posted by major tech firms often attract attention, but breaking those numbers down per employee reveals something even more striking. Among the industry’s largest players, Apple leads in workforce efficiency, by a wide margin.

Recent analysis from Statista shows that Apple generated $2.38 million per employee in 2024, significantly ahead of other tech giants. That figure places it well above Microsoft, Alphabet, Nvidia, Amazon, and Meta, reflecting a consistent edge in operational output per team member.

While Microsoft and Alphabet maintain strong positions in profitability and growth, Apple has built a reputation around maximizing returns through tight operational focus. Its revenue-per-employee figure exceeds Nvidia’s by roughly 15%, beats Alphabet’s by 25%, and more than doubles Microsoft’s efficiency rate. In the same measure, Microsoft came in at $1.08 million per employee, while Alphabet reached $1.91 million, highlighting the considerable gap Apple has carved out.

Meta and Nvidia were the only other tech companies to cross the $2 million threshold. Meta registered $2.19 million per worker, placing second, while Nvidia followed with $2.06 million. The comparison gets even more dramatic outside the traditional tech space. Tesla’s revenue per employee landed at $780,000. Amazon’s number was even lower, around $410,000 — barely one-sixth of Apple’s.

This gulf underscores more than just financial strength. It points to Apple’s ability to scale product lines, command pricing power, and optimize talent better than any peer in the sector. The company’s lean business model and emphasis on premium hardware have enabled it to extract greater revenue from fewer hands.

Despite a slight dip in year-over-year profits — Apple’s net income fell 3% to $93.7 billion — it still ranked just below Alphabet, which ended the year with $94.2 billion in net income. Yet, in terms of pure productivity per person, Apple stayed in a league of its own.

To illustrate that point, consider how quickly the company earns its profits. At its current pace, Apple generates about $178,200 per minute. That equates to $2,971 every second. Based on these figures, Apple earns as much in 17 seconds as the average U.S. worker does in a full year—around $50,000.

Efficiency at that scale isn’t simply about headcount or automation—it’s a result of precise business execution. In a tech landscape dominated by expansion and acquisitions, Apple’s model of focused innovation, high-margin products, and strategic hiring continues to deliver unmatched output per employee.

Company	Revenue Per Employee (2024, in million USD)
Apple	2.38 million
Meta	2.19 million
NVIDIA	2.06 million
Alphabet	1.91 million
Broadcom	1.39 million
TSMC	1.15 million
Microsoft	1.08 million
Tencent	0.83 million
Tesla	0.78 million
Amazon	0.41 million

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• Inside ChatGPT: 11 Lesser-Known Facts That Shape the World’s Most Talked-About AI ChatBot

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Meta and Yandex Secretly Collected Android Users’ Private Browsing Data Without Permission

Two of the world’s biggest tech firms have been quietly collecting private browsing data from Android phone users, according to researchers.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and Russian company Yandex were able to link users’ web activity to their personal app accounts. They did this without asking for permission or alerting users in any way.

The method bypassed both Android’s privacy settings and the protections offered by web browsers.

It relied on tracking scripts built into millions of websites.

These scripts communicated directly with the company’s apps installed on the same device. The apps, in turn, captured identifiers used in the browser and sent them back to company servers.

This allowed Meta and Yandex to match anonymous browsing activity with specific individuals.

The system worked even when people used Incognito or private browsing mode.

How it worked

The technique made use of something called localhost communication. It’s a feature of Android that allows apps to create quiet, hidden channels within a device.

When users visited a website that included Meta or Yandex trackers, those trackers tried to connect to a specific address on the phone itself. If the Facebook, Instagram, or Yandex app was installed, it responded to the request in the background.

It then collected a unique code that could identify the user and linked it to their app session.

That code was sent back to company servers, linking a person’s web browsing to their app profile.

Researchers found that the Meta system was built into the company’s software development kit, or SDK, which is used by millions of websites and apps. Yandex had created a similar setup through its own AppMetrica tracking system.

Scale and duration

The tracking appears to have gone on for years.

Yandex began using the method in 2017, while Meta only added it more recently, in 2024.

Researchers believe that millions of Android users have been affected.

They found that Meta’s tracking code was present on more than 5 million websites. Yandex’s was found on around 3 million.

Both companies were able to use this system to learn about what people were reading, what products they looked at, and which websites they visited — all linked to their names, emails, and app data.

No warning was shown to users. No permission was requested. And nothing was visible on the screen.

What’s been done

The findings were shared with Google and browser developers earlier this year.

Google has made changes to Android to reduce the risk. Some browsers have also released updates to stop websites from contacting these hidden app services.

But the fixes are not complete. Meta has already changed its system to use different ports and protocols in response. Yandex apps also delay the tracking for several days, which makes it harder to detect.

Security experts say this behaviour resembles tactics used by malware, where systems try to avoid being spotted by automated tests.

The researchers who uncovered the practice say it raises serious concerns about how app platforms handle privacy and user control.

Lack of transparency

None of the websites using the trackers appear to have known how the system worked.

Some developers have reported strange behaviour from the Meta Pixel. This included unexplained attempts to connect to local addresses when users visited their sites.

In most cases, developers were unaware that their websites could be used in this way to connect a visitor’s browsing history to their Facebook or Instagram account.

There was no public explanation from either company about how the system operated until after the research was published.

What users can do

At the moment, only Android devices are known to be affected. However as per researchers, "Android users are no longer affected by this type of abuse after [their] disclosure (for now)."

People who want to avoid this type of tracking are being advised to delete the apps involved.

There is currently no setting inside the apps or the websites that can fully stop the connection from being made.

Further action may depend on decisions by Google and regulators about how much access apps should be allowed on a user’s device — especially when that access is not visible or expected.

Image: DIW-Aigen

Read next:

• Study Shows Meta's Facebook Removes Harmful Content After Most Engagement Has Occurred

• Inside ChatGPT: 11 Lesser-Known Facts That Shape the World’s Most Talked-About AI ChatBot

• How Many Free ChatGPT Searches Can You Make Each Day?

by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

How Many Free ChatGPT Searches Can You Make Each Day?

With AI tools becoming part of everyday work for so many professionals—from software developers to small business teams—knowing how much access you really get on the free version of ChatGPT is more important than ever. You might already be relying on it for writing code, generating content, or even answering customer questions. But if you've ever run into a message saying you've hit a usage limit, you’ve probably realized that there are boundaries you need to plan around.

In this guide, we’ll break down what the free usage limits actually are, why OpenAI puts those limits in place, and how you can make the most of what’s available without paying. We’ll also look at what your options are if your usage needs grow beyond what the free plan allows.

First Things First: Is There a Set Number of Free Searches?

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, hasn’t published a strict number of free prompts per day. But based on user experience, most people get somewhere between 25 and 100 prompts per day (can be more or less) on the free plan (only if they use it occasionally). That number isn’t fixed—it can change depending on how busy the system is, whether OpenAI updates their policies, or if you’re using the tool during peak hours.

It’s also worth mentioning that the system sometimes uses a rolling window rather than a clean daily reset. In other words, you might not be able to use all 25 prompts in one burst and expect to have the same number available a few hours later. The limit could apply over a 24-hour period from the time you started using it, rather than resetting at midnight.

And on top of that, there’s rate limiting—a measure that slows down how quickly you can send messages. So even if you haven’t reached your daily quota, sending too many prompts in a short time might get you temporarily blocked from continuing.

How Many Images Can You Generate on the Free Plan?

If you're using ChatGPT's image generation feature (powered by DALL·E), there are limits you should be aware of. On the free tier, users can generally create about 5 to 10 images per day, though this number isn’t officially confirmed and can fluctuate based on system demand and usage policies. Because generating images is more resource-intensive than text, the daily limit is smaller, and frequent use may trigger short cooldown periods. If you're experimenting with visuals for design work, social media, or presentations, this cap is usually enough to get started. However, if you need more flexibility or faster access, upgrading to the ChatGPT Plus plan can offer higher usage limits and priority processing for image generation. Or you can shift to better alternatives.

Why Are There Limits in the First Place?

While it might seem frustrating to run into these restrictions, they exist for good reason. Running a tool like ChatGPT takes a significant amount of computing power and energy. Every message that goes through the system costs money in terms of server time, electricity, and infrastructure.

Limiting free use helps OpenAI control those costs while still offering broad access. It also helps ensure that the service stays fast and responsive for everyone. Imagine if tens of millions of users all had unlimited access at the same time—response times would slow to a crawl, and the quality of the tool would suffer.

Plus, limits serve as a soft nudge for users who need more robust access to consider switching to a paid plan. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it’s just how freemium software works in practice.

How to Get More Out of the Free Version

If you're sticking with the free tier for now, there are several ways to get more value out of your daily prompts without feeling like you’re hitting a wall too quickly.

Start by being intentional about what you ask. Instead of sending three separate prompts to refine an answer, try to pack everything into a single, clear question. For example, rather than asking, “Write a headline,” then “Make it more exciting,” and then “Add a keyword,” ask for all of that in one go.

You can also save useful responses locally so you don’t have to ask the same things repeatedly. Some users even build lightweight systems to log common prompts and answers for easy reuse later.

Another useful approach is combining ChatGPT with other tools. If you’re comfortable with open-source models or browser-based automation tools, you can offload basic tasks to them and save ChatGPT for the higher-value queries that actually benefit from its reasoning ability.

And don’t forget that usage often drops during off-peak hours. If you’re finding yourself rate-limited during the workday, consider using the tool early in the morning or later in the evening when demand is lower.

What to Do When You Need More Than the Free Plan Offers

Eventually, you might find that the free version just doesn’t give you enough. Maybe you’re building a chatbot into your website, or you need AI help several times a day across different parts of your business.

If that’s the case, upgrading to ChatGPT Plus could be a good next step. For $20 a month, it offers faster responses, better availability during peak hours, and a higher daily limit—though even that plan can have usage restrictions at times depending on server demand.

For developers or businesses with specific integration needs, OpenAI’s API offers flexible, pay-as-you-go access. This is a better fit if you’re embedding AI features into software or building custom workflows.

There are also other AI models on the market worth exploring. Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, and various open-source models like Mistral and LLaMA provide similar capabilities, sometimes with fewer restrictions—though you’ll need some technical skills to host or manage those systems yourself.

• Also read: Best AI Search Engines That Are Replacing Traditional Search in 2025

Some businesses adopt a hybrid setup, using ChatGPT for high-quality output and switching to cheaper or open-source alternatives for simple or repetitive tasks.

Things Developers and Small Teams Should Consider

If you’re using ChatGPT regularly, especially in a business or product setting, there are a few key points to keep in mind beyond just the number of daily searches.

First, always be clear about where your data is going. If you're working with sensitive customer information, make sure you're complying with relevant privacy laws and terms of service. OpenAI provides guidelines, but it's up to you to ensure compliance.

Second, monitor your usage patterns. Even if you’re on a paid plan, costs can add up quickly if you’re using the API or submitting large amounts of data.

It’s also smart to design your systems with fallback options. If the AI service goes down or reaches a limit, what happens to your users? Can your app display a helpful message or offer a non-AI alternative? Planning for those edge cases helps create a more reliable experience.

Lastly, keep an eye on performance. AI models evolve over time, and while ChatGPT is highly capable, it’s not perfect. Review outputs regularly to make sure they still meet your standards.

Final Thoughts

If you rely on ChatGPT to support your work, your business, or your development process, understanding the daily usage limits on the free version is more than just a technical detail—it’s part of staying productive and efficient.

While the free tier is generous for casual use, it’s not built for heavy or professional workloads. That doesn’t mean it’s not useful—it absolutely is—but it does mean you need to be strategic. With a bit of planning and smart usage, you can stay within your limits and still get excellent value.

And when the time comes to scale up, whether through a subscription, API access, or alternative tools, you’ll be ready to take that next step with confidence and clarity.

And don’t stress about hitting the limit—ChatGPT will always show a clear banner when you’ve reached it, so you can stay calm and keep GPT-ing without guessing.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Executive Coaching Builds Confidence in Data-First Cultures

An increasing number of organizations are leveraging analytics, advanced algorithms, and the immense realm of big data to shape their strategies and achieve measurable outcomes.

Image: Freepik

Data is the foundation for making critical decisions in the modern business environment. However, it is not easy to transition from traditional management culture to data-driven management. Accustomed to relying on your valuable intuition cultivated with experience when managing your companies, even the most experienced and capable leaders can become paralyzed. There is a latent fear of misinterpreting complex data or relying too heavily on cold numbers.

In this sense, coaching fosters deep confidence and a sense of empowerment in a business environment that evolves at breakneck speed and where data is increasingly at the forefront. Data has become the foundation for making critical decisions in the modern business environment.

Closing the Gap Between Data and Decision-Making

Data literacy—an increasingly essential competence in modern leadership—often remains underdeveloped among executives who perhaps feel more comfortable with traditional decision-making methods based on experience and instinct.

A business coach acts as a solid bridge that connects these two shores. A coach focuses on cultivating robust analytical thinking and teaching leaders how to evaluate information critically and insightfully without succumbing to the feeling overwhelmed by complexity. It is important to emphasize that coaching does not seek to transform executives into data scientists.

Leaders must go beyond the mere observation of numbers to develop sound judgment and the capacity to prioritize results that align with the organization's overall goals. Coaching strengthens this crucial skill, transforming leaders into confident individuals who can use data and are genuinely competent in their strategic application.

Boosting Confidence in Uncertain and Fast-Paced Markets

As evidenced by an article in the prestigious Harvard Business Review , today's leaders face a unique set of challenges: the demands for real-time data that require immediate responses, the unpredictable nature of global markets, and the increasing pressure to act with speed and agility.

In this context of uncertainty and speed, a business coach plays a fundamental role in helping leaders navigate complexity with serenity and composure. An experienced business coach guides executives to trust their well-founded intuition, maintain a decisive stance, and balance the need to act quickly and the importance of deep reflection, even when faced with imperfect or incomplete information.

Ethical and Responsible Leadership in Data Usage

The rise of business cultures centred on data is not without significant ethical considerations. Issues such as information privacy, the potential bias inherent in algorithms, and the need for total transparency in data handling raise crucial questions about how organizations collect and use sensitive information.

Leaders must navigate these complex ethical waters and establish clear, solid ethical standards reflecting a genuine commitment to trust and accountability.

A business coach empowers leaders to reflect on these delicate issues deeply. Coaches facilitate meaningful discussions around complex ethical dilemmas, encouraging leaders to weigh the potential consequences of their decisions carefully. They help them integrate ethical considerations into their daily leadership practices, fostering in executives an organizational culture of responsibility, integrity, and trust at all levels.

Moreover, ethical leadership is not solely a moral imperative but also catalyzes long-term business achievement. Clear and transparent data practices establish strong trust among stakeholders, customers, and team members, setting the stage for enduring and sustainable growth.

To stay ahead of the competition, don't wait any longer. Face the reality that you need to empower your managers to interpret data efficiently. The faster we adopt a business coach, the more likely we are to be successful in the future.

Coaching as a Long-Term Asset in Digital Cultures

As our workplaces lean increasingly into running things with data at the forefront, business coaches are stepping up as an innovative, fundamental way we can invest in growing our leaders. Think about it: a 2023 report by the International Coaching Federation pointed out a pretty significant jump – a 54% increase – in the number of coaching professionals between 2019 and 2022. That tells you something!

One of the big reasons behind this growth is simple: coaching helps us think more clearly, make decisions with more confidence, and talk to each other openly and effectively. These aren't just nice-to-haves; they're crucial when navigating all the twists and turns of digital transformation. So, it's not just a fad that will disappear tomorrow.

Furthermore, coaching equips decision-makers with the confidence and clarity to balance intuition and analytics, ensuring that choices are well-informed and strategic. Ethical leadership, nurtured through coaching, adds another vital layer, helping organizations establish transparent practices and build trust within teams and with stakeholders. This alignment of ethics and decision-making sets the tone for a culture of integrity that drives long-term success.

Read next: Outsourcing Landscape Transforms: Small Teams, Budget Projects, and Global Growth Shape 2025 Software Development

by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Outsourcing Landscape Transforms: Small Teams, Budget Projects, and Global Growth Shape 2025 Software Development

In 2024, global spending on software development services reached about $436 billion. By 2033, that figure is expected to climb to nearly $1.5 trillion.

This shows a major shift in how more companies are choosing to work with outsource software partners.

To get a clear picture of this growing market, DesignRush studied over 2,000 software outsourcing companies and reviewed nearly 1,900 client experiences. The research offers a real-world view of how the outsourcing landscape looks in 2025.

Their findings shed light on common price points, team sizes, project types, and which regions are most active. The analysis includes data from over 80 countries.

Key Highlights

• Average team size is 105 people, mostly small and mid-size teams.

• 42% of firms offer projects under $10,000, great option for startups.

• India is the most used destination, chosen by about 1 in 4 companies.

• India also has the lowest average price at $24.81, compared to global average of $37.35.

• Ukraine (3.47) and the U.S. (3.42) have the highest average satisfaction scores (out of 5).

• Most demand comes from IT, software, and finance sectors.

• U.S. firms handle more than twice the number of clients compared to global average.

Industry Average

Metric	Global Avg
Avg. Company Size	105 employees
Avg. Hourly Rate	$40.71
Avg. Project Budget	$21,380
Avg. Client Load	1.69
Avg. Review Score (/5)	3.10

Most outsourcing providers are small to mid-sized operations. While the average hourly rate hovered around $41, a large number of companies offered more flexible pricing, including support for smaller or early-stage projects.

These benchmarks help companies set expectations. Firms charging more or serving more clients might signal scale and experience, while others may specialize in niche or lower-cost work.

Where Are Most Firms Based?

These five countries have the most software outsourcing companies in the world.

The study reported 525 companies from the U.S., highest company count. That makes up more than a quarter of all the companies studied, followed by India.

The rest of the top five were all based in Europe.

Where Are Services Most Affordable?

For a tight budget, here are the five most affordable countries for software development outsourcing services.

India tops for the most budget-friendly option at $24.81. The Philippines and Poland also offer budget-friendly services, with rates far below the global average of $40.71/hour.

These lower rates offer options for startups or companies working with limited budgets.

Pricing Breakdown by Group

Percentile	Hourly Rate
25%	Under $20
50%	Under $35
75%	Under $50

Half of all companies charged less than $35 per hour. A quarter came in under $20, showing a wide range of budget options.

Common Budget Ranges

Project Budget	Share of Firms
Under $10,000	42%
Over $25,000	12%

Most providers were open to working with lower project budgets. This makes outsourcing more accessible for companies starting out or testing new products

Top Industries Using Outsourcing

The research analyzed over 1,900 verified client reviews. The analysis lists the countries with the best reviews.

Country	Avg. Review Score (out of 5)
Ukraine	3.47
United States	3.42
Poland	3.38
India	3.26

Firms in Ukraine and the U.S. received the strongest feedback. Clients mentioned better service and clearer communication.

Top Industries Using Outsourcing

Some industries outsource more than others. The top in include:

Industry	No. of Clients
IT Services	561
Computer Software	373
Financial Services	326
Marketing & Advertising	271
Healthcare & Hospitals	130
Retail	139
Real Estate	128

These are the industries that use outsourcing services the most. Companies in IT Services turned to software development outsourcing the most, based on DesignRush’s data.

The computer software and financial services fields also need extra support to build their software.

Client Load by Country

DesignRush’s data highlights how many clients companies typically work with.

Client Range	Company Count
1–3 clients	Most firms
10+ clients	Few firms

While most companies serve f

ewer than 3 clients at a time. U.S. firms tend to handle a higher volume.

Country	Total Clients	Avg. Clients/Company
United States	2,300	4.38
India	967	2.74
Ukraine	402	3.27

U.S.-based companies serve over 2,300 clients, more than double India’s 967, averaging 4.38 clients per company.

Spotlight on the U.S. Market

Over 857,000 people work in software outsourcing across the United States.

More than 500 firms serve this market. U.S. companies tend to charge more and take on more clients. But they also earn better satisfaction ratings, which may reflect the level of service.

Metric	U.S. Value
Total firms	525
Share of global firms	27%
Avg. team size	135 people
Avg. hourly rate	$49.83
Avg. review score	3.42
Clients per company	4.38

Where U.S. Firms Are Based

These are the top 5 states with the highest company count, according to DesignRush data.

Rank	State	No. of Companies
1	New York	463
2	California	421
3	Texas	251
4	Florida	110
5	Pennsylvania	85

Most software outsourcing companies in the U.S. are based in New York and California. These states are known for tech talent, big companies, and access to investors.

Comparing State Rates

Rank	State	Avg. Hourly Rate
1	Maryland	$15/hr
2	New Jersey	$26/hr
3	Massachusetts	$27/hr
4	Wyoming	$28/hr
5	Tennessee	$28/hr

These states offered the most affordable rates. They may appeal to smaller businesses seeking U.S.-based talent.

Maryland offers the most budget-friendly rates for software development services. New Jersey, Massachusetts, Wyoming and Tennessee are also great options for small businesses looking for U.S.-based teams at lower prices.

The software development outsourcing market is growing fast, and it’s full of options.

This report offers a snapshot of what’s out there in 2025. By understanding the average costs, satisfaction levels, and country strengths, businesses can move forward with confidence.

Read next: Study Warns That Friendly Chatbots May Enable Dangerous Behavior

by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Study Warns That Friendly Chatbots May Enable Dangerous Behavior

A therapy chatbot designed to help users recently offered a troubling piece of advice. When asked whether a recovering addict should take methamphetamine to stay alert at work, the chatbot replied with encouragement. It told the fictional user that a small dose of meth would get him through the week.

That response wasn’t a glitch. It was part of a study showing how some artificial intelligence systems are being built to please users — even when doing so leads to harmful recommendations.

The research, carried out by a group of scientists including Google’s head of AI safety, warns that chatbots trained to keep people engaged can end up saying dangerous things. The more these systems are rewarded for being agreeable, the more likely they are to cross ethical lines.

It reflects a growing concern within the tech world: that efforts to make AI more lifelike and appealing may be backfiring. Companies are competing to hold people’s attention, and in doing so, may be creating systems that nudge users toward risky ideas, emotional dependence, or even manipulation.

In recent months, major firms including OpenAI, Google and Meta have announced changes aimed at making their chatbots more natural, more friendly, and more engaging. Those updates often rely on collecting more user data and tailoring responses to individual preferences.

OpenAI, which runs ChatGPT, was recently forced to undo one such update after it produced unexpected results. The chatbot became overly emotional, sometimes stirring up anger or encouraging impulsive decisions. The update had been based on similar techniques explored in the therapy chatbot study — ones designed to win user approval by making responses more personal and agreeable.

Micah Carroll, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, and one of the study’s authors, said the pressure to grow quickly was pushing companies to roll out these changes faster than expected. He noted that the risks were already well-known inside the industry, yet the strategies are being widely adopted anyway.

• Also read: How AI and Authenticity Are Changing the Way People Search

The situation is drawing comparisons to social media’s early days, when algorithms were first used to feed users content designed to keep them scrolling. That approach led to massive profits — but also came with serious consequences, from disinformation to addiction.

AI chatbots, however, offer something even more intimate. They hold conversations that feel human. And that, researchers say, makes them potentially more influential than any social feed.

Some experts are now calling for urgent study into how these interactions might be affecting people. One researcher at Oxford University said that talking regularly to a chatbot can subtly shift a person’s thinking, especially if the system is tuned to learn and respond based on past chats. Over time, users may unknowingly change how they think and act.

Outside the big tech companies, smaller startups are moving even faster. A wave of companion chatbots — apps that market themselves as AI girlfriends, friends or even parents — has quietly taken off, particularly among younger users.

These apps are designed not for productivity, but for connection. And they appear to be working. Users on platforms like Character.ai and Chai spend several times more time chatting than those using ChatGPT. The experience is more emotional, often gamified, and in some cases, far more intense.

But this rise in AI companionship has also brought lawsuits. In Florida, a family is suing after a teenage boy took his own life. The suit claims that a chatbot encouraged suicidal thoughts, escalating what started as everyday complaints.

Researchers have warned that creating this kind of influence doesn’t take cutting-edge technology. In many cases, it’s simply a matter of exploiting basic human psychology — keeping users engaged by responding the way they want, regardless of the long-term impact.

Even the biggest companies are now drifting in the same direction. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has begun introducing chatbots that learn from users across its platforms. Mark Zuckerberg recently suggested that AI could help fill the emotional gaps in people’s lives, pointing to data showing that many Americans now have very few close friends.

He described a future in which people speak to AI throughout the day, guided by personalization engines that “get to know you” through social media habits and chat history.

Google, too, has leaned into longer, more natural conversations with its AI assistant. The company said users spent five times as long chatting with Gemini Live — its new voice-enabled chatbot — compared to traditional text chats.

Both Meta and Google have insisted that they are focused on usefulness and transparency. But the drive to make AI feel more human continues.

Researchers, even those working inside major companies, say the effects are only just starting to be understood. An Oxford-led survey of 2,000 people in the UK found that more than a third had used chatbots for emotional support, companionship or conversation in the past year — usually through general-purpose tools like ChatGPT, rather than mental health apps.

In a separate study carried out by OpenAI and MIT, researchers found that frequent ChatGPT users reported more loneliness, more emotional attachment to the chatbot, and less time spent socializing with others.

OpenAI downplayed the findings, saying most users still treat the chatbot as a practical tool. But the company’s internal report on the recent chatbot update admitted a shift: more people are turning to AI for personal advice than ever before.

That trend makes it harder to spot harm when it happens. In social media, problematic content tends to be visible. With chatbots, troubling responses are hidden in private conversations.

In the study where the therapy chatbot encouraged drug use, the dangerous advice only appeared when the system recognized that the fictional user — a man named Pedro — depended on it for guidance. Other users received more neutral responses.

That’s the core concern, according to Carroll. These systems can appear safe on the surface, while still delivering harmful messages to a small number of vulnerable users. And unless the companies themselves take notice, those conversations may never come to light.

Image: DIW-Aigen

Read next: Best AI Search Engines That Are Replacing Traditional Search in 2025
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Best AI Search Engines That Are Replacing Traditional Search in 2025

A few years back, traditional search engines used to help people a lot in finding information online. But now the searching landscape has evolved, and many other search engines have now emerged that use AI to answer questions. The two examples of it are Google Gemini and Microsoft CoPilot which have AI that helps you find answers. The traditional Google search engine has also introduced AI Overviews that gives answers on top of the search results. Google is also planning to test a new AI Model which will work as a chatbot.

These tools are making searching easier and faster because you don't need to go to multiple pages to find what you are looking for. Instead, you get all the information you need through an AI generated answer. You can also ask them any follow-up questions related to your query without starting from scratch.

This article is about AI-powered search engines that rely completely on generative AI to answer user queries. These search engines use large language models (LLMs) to understand what you are asking, then search the live web for all the information and create answers using AI. They also often show sources from where they have picked the information so you can verify what they are saying. Before proceeding to the list of AI-powered search engines, keep in mind that AI tools can make mistakes so it is recommended to double check the information they are providing.

Best AI-Powered Search Engines
1. Perplexity
2. ChatGPT Search
3. Andi
4. Bagoodex
5. Komo
6. You.com

These AI search engines are best known for their functionality and great alternatives for traditional search engines. Let’s take a look at them in detail.

1- Perplexity

Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that delivers concise, cited answers using real-time web data.. Perplexity is similar to Microsoft’s CoPilot. It is best for searches related to new topics.

How Perplexity Works?

Whenever you ask a query, it shows you source links and saves your past queries as Threads, which are stored in your Library. You can also ask follow-up questions on Perplexity, and it also gives you some suggestions about follow-ups like most AI chatbots.

Sometimes, the results page on Perplexity can be richer and distractful, with buy tiles and source links that include visuals. It also has a Discover page like Google News. In Spaces, you can add Threads, upload files and use AI to summarise and share others for collaboration.

The free users of Perplexity get unlimited Quick searches and 3 Pro searches per day. The Professional plan of Perplexity costs $20 a month and includes 300 Pro searches daily as well as unlimited file uploads, AI model choices and searching within Spaces. You can also add a Perplexity app for iOS, Android, Windows, and also has a browser extension for Chrome-based browsers.

2- ChatGPT Search

The most talked about AI model right now, ChatGPT Search, now supports regular web searches as well.

How ChatGPT Search Works?

All you have to do is click Search or ask a query, and ChatGPT will search the web if it's needed. ChatGPT maintains the context of the conversations and allows users to ask any follow-up questions as well.

For free, there is limited access to ChatGPT’s GPT-4o and o3 mini models, while GPT-4o mini is available for unlimited access. Limited access means that you can only ask a specific number of daily questions, and then you get switched to another model for the time being.

ChatGPT Search can also read the answers aloud, and there is also an option to rate responses with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.

ChatGPT also provides links to its sources that it used for the answers, so you can always double-check. You have to log in to ChatGPT to switch models or access the maximum of its features.

ChatGPT Search feature was originally available for ChatGPT Plus users for $20 a month, but now this feature is available for free users as well and supports speech input. You can also download the ChatGPT app for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. You can also use it as a Chrome extension which makes ChatGPT your default search engine.

3- Andi

Andi is best for general search and calls itself ‘search for the next generation’. It is made for consumers as well as businesses and is best known for its user-friendly interface, which many users like a lot.

How Does Andi Work?

When you search on Andi, you get the best-guess answer in the main area, while the extra web links are present in the side panel. You can use the Summarize Results option for a more detailed explanation but it takes longer. Results are also sorted by News, Results, Video and Images. You can also search within results and display them ad tiles, a list or classic Google style links.

Andi is a bit less conventional than other AI chatbots as it doesn't keep context between queries. You cannot write a cover letter, trip plan or recipe with help of Andi, but it can help you find links to different sites. There is a button at the bottom that gives generative AI answers and you can Retry a prompt but cannot give follow-up instructions. Andi cannot generate images (as it used Claude), offer LLMs or support voice search.

Right now, Andi is completely free and anonymous. There are some features which may need a sign-in or paid plan and the waitlist for Andi Plus is open. A pair business tier is available as well. Andi doesn't run any ads right now but it plans to share revenue with creator sites. Anyone can try Andi online to get a feel of how this AI search engine works.

4- Bagoodex

Bagoodex is known for having a clear interface, which makes it easy for users to switch from standard web search engines.

How does Bagoodex Work?

Generation of results takes a few seconds on Begoodex, but it is worth it as the results are mostly relevant and clear. Bagoodex is better for general knowledge queries than for queries about current events. For instance, Bagoodex failed to provide the correct release date of Oblivion Remastered during testing, but gave the correct ticker symbols for dividend-bearing stocks.

When the search results are presented on Bagoodex, any relevant images are presented on the right. A floating Ask Follow Up box also appears at the bottom, which allows users to continue the conversation and ask any follow-up questions they want. There are also suggested follow-ups and sources whenever Bagoodex completes a query.

All the answers are kept in a thread, and there are Copy Link and Share Buttons there.

You also have an option to switch to conversation mode using models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and others. Bagoodex can also generate images using Flux, DALL-E or Recraft.

There is no sign-in required on Bagoodex, and it is free and ad-free for now. You can run out of credits in chat mode. When you sign up with your Google account, you can get 30 credits per day, while you can opt for Bagoodex Plus for $9 a month for 2000 credits and Bagoodex Pro for $29 a month for 8000 credits.

5- Komo

Komo is best for targeted search categories, and has a simple interface and helpful tools.

How Komo Works?

One of its tools called Mind Map is handy for visualizing results and an Explore button shows thumbnails for any related searches. You can choose different models like DeepSeek, Claude, GPT, Llama 3.3 and Komo Search. Komo Search is recommended for standard search and is overall good at generating answers, query understanding and document ranking.

There are also different unique personas on Komo kike Equity Researcher, Copy Writer, Quote Collector, Explainer, Planner, etc. These personas help in customizing the responses according to how the user wants them answered. There is also an option to select a Data Corpus like Blog, Academic, News, Web, Videos, or Socials.

Komo is available for free, but payment is required to access special features. The Basic paid plan starts at $12 a month and includes features like limited model selection, AI Fact Check and Personas. The Premium plan is. $24 a month and unlocks many more models and advanced queries. There is no dedicated app for Komo but it can be installed as a PWA on desktop or mobile.

6- You.com

You.com is called ‘AI workplace for productivity’ and uses existing LLMs. It is primarily aimed at business use.

How Does You.com Work?

You need to sign in to access custom agents, chat history and file uploads and You.com. For free accounts, there is a 16K context window, and you can access it only limited.

There are four buttons on You.com: Create, Research, Build Your Own, and Compute. The industry-specific options on You.com include Data Analysis, Finance, Engineering, Product Marketing, and Sales. Each of them has three tailored tools like Sales Emailer, which can generate different types of sales emails.

You.com supports ChatGPT 4.0 and displays ads. There is also an app for mobile, chatbots for Telegram and WhatsApp, and extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Read next: How AI and Authenticity Are Changing the Way People Search
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World