I only ask Gemini one question, but I can't solve problems without it

Since Gemini launched in December 2023, I've struggled to make use of the tool.

Google has worked tirelessly to integrate it with the various Google apps I use, but none of the new tools unlocked by Gemini have replaced my existing tools (that is, my brain).

A few tools have been situationally useful.Pixel Screenshots helped me find a Christmas gift, and I use Circle to Search from time to time.

However, I've noticed myself reaching for Gemini when presented with a unique situation, and I've realized that it's become a small but crucial asset.

What do I do when I don't know what the problem is?

Google Search is my first port of call 99% of the time

Let's say I boot up my computer, and I'm presented with an error code. Or that I spot a new store and want to know about its opening hours. Or maybe my desk chair is broken, and I need a new one.

To solve each of these problems, I could turn to Gemini or Google Search. Both can answer my question, but I always turn to the latter.

While Gemini usually gives me a reasonable answer, I always have to verify its responses. By skipping straight to the sources, I save time.

But have you spotted the common pattern in my queries? It's that I knew what the problem was and how to search for it.

Google has served me faithfully in this regard since the first days of Google Search, and it still works.

I turn to Gemini when I don't know what the problem is

It's what I search with when I don't know what to search

Around two months ago, I booted up my computer and was presented with this lovely error on my monitor:

I needed to solve the problem urgently, as I didn't have a laptop or spare monitor on hand. But what was I to search for?

I tried "flickering blue and pink patches on computer monitor on startup," but I was greeted with a labyrinth of potential problems and fixes. I needed it solved quickly, so I turned to Gemini.

I took a picture of my screen and asked Gemini what was wrong. Gemini listed potential causes, then provided troubleshooting steps for each problem.

With Gemini's help, I ticked off the potential causes until I arrived at two potential problems, both related to the monitor's hardware.

I verified these causes with a traditional Google Search and found that they could cause the display errors I was witnessing.

Unfortunately, the monitor was broken and out of warranty, but I was able to order a replacement for the next day and not miss too much work.

I only use Gemini to answer one simple question

No matter the wording, it's always the same

I realized that I had been using Gemini infrequently to answer the same question every time. Whether it was a monitor malfunction, a strange bug, or a tool I didn't recognize, my question was "What is this?"

Gemini is fantastic for answering this question. When I know what something is, I know what to ask next. I can search for fixes for the malfunction, find out if the bug bites (it was a wolf spider, so I backed away fairly rapidly), or find out how the tool works (it was a particularly strange box-cutter).

Every time I ask Gemini "What is this?" I accompany my query with an image. This helps me quickly verify its answers and ensures that I receive the most accurate responses.

What hasn't changed is that I still check sources to verify Gemini's answers. I still don't trust Gemini, but it always manages to put me on the right track.

I use Gemini and Google Search in tandem

They work beautifully together

I know a few people whouse Gemini for everything, and I understand why. But the technology isn't there yet to make it my go-to option for answering every question I have.

For example, I never ask Gemini to fact-check. Not just because it can hallucinate incorrect answers, but because a poorly worded question can result in a technically correct answer.

Gemini helps me identify what I need to ask, and Google Search helps me answer the resultant question. It's a perfect relationship that has made me wonder if I'll ever need another tool.

Use tools for what they're best at, not what they're advertised for

I don't use Gemini for 99% of the ways Google suggests I use it for. I haven't found it superior to thinking about my problem.

Sure, there are situational uses for it (and I really wish I hadNotebookLM back in college), but it doesn't work for me the way Google wants it to.

Instead, Gemini answers the simple question "What is this?" and then I ignore it for another month. Thanks, Gemini.