What Does AI Know About You?
Have you Googled yourself? Years ago, I would periodically check how my name showed up in Google and other search engines to find what information came up. It was interesting and sometimes you’d find things you didn’t know existed.
We’re now entering an age of asking AI about ourselves.
Admittedly, I have a somewhat unique name and there are no glaringly famous persons by my name. I’m know someone named Michael Jordan would receive a much different response, and would need a much more specific prompt.
But for my case, let’s keep it simple and see what the AI knows.
The Prompt
“What do you know about Stephen Woicik?”
I kept the prompt very short. Not wanting to give the AI specific directions on where or how to look.
I entered this prompt into four different AI tools; ChatGPT, Perplexity, Microsoft Co-Pilot, and Google Gemini. The unedited responses from each tool is listed below. I have included the source document links created by the AI as well.
ChatGPT
Stephen Woicik is an educational technology professional currently serving as the Technology Director at Agawam Public Schools in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. In this role, he has been instrumental in implementing new systems, such as the PowerSchool Student Information System and Parent/Guardian Portal, to enhance the district’s educational infrastructure. (source)
Before his tenure at Agawam, Woicik co-developed a “Choose Your Own Device” (CYOD) program in the Maynard Public Schools. This initiative provided students and staff with the flexibility to select devices that best suited their learning and teaching needs, promoting a more personalized and adaptable educational experience. (source)
Beyond his work in educational institutions, Woicik has collaborated with numerous small businesses to optimize their operations through technology. He has also contributed articles to The Motley Fool, focusing on topics such as cryptocurrency. (source)
Woicik maintains a personal website where he shares his projects and ideas related to education, technology, and business. Notably, he developed the “Marker 1 Font,” a crayon-style font designed for classroom use, and a stock portfolio spreadsheet template for tracking investments. (source)
In his current position at Agawam Public Schools, Woicik can be reached via email at swoicik@agawamed.org or by phone at 413-789-0534. (source)
Perplexity
Stephen Woicik is the Director of Technology at Agawam Public Schools, where he oversees technology-related initiatives and operations ([1][6]). He has a professional background in education and technology, with a history of leading projects effectively. He is also involved in community service as the Treasurer of the International Association of Lions Clubs, Somers Chapter, a role he has held since 2008 ([3]).
Educationally, Woicik attended Fordham University, where he was active in athletics, playing varsity soccer, track, and basketball. He served as the soccer team captain during his senior year ([5]). Additionally, he describes himself as an "online extrovert and real-life introvert" with diverse professional experiences centered around education and technology ([4]).
Microsoft Co-Pilot
Stephen Woicik is a writer and contributor for The Motley Fool, a financial and investing advice company [A]. He writes articles on various financial topics, including market trends, investment strategies, and stock analysis [A]. Woicik's work is published on both the U.S. and Australian versions of The Motley Fool's websites [A] [B].
Google Gemini
There seem to be a few people named Stephen Woicik:
Stephen Woicik is a photographer and graphic designer based in Connecticut.
Stephen Woicik is the Technology Director for the Agawam Public School district in Massachusetts.
Steve Woicik played soccer at Fordham University.
Stephen Woicik co-founded Rivik Media, a web development and consulting firm.
Is there something specific you'd like to know about one of these individuals?
Overall the responses were pretty accurate with a few errors. Ranking these responses I would order them…
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini
Co-Pilot
ChatGPT was the most current and accurate. What’s surprising with ChatGPT is going through the source links (specifically paragraph two) the material it used to create the paragraph is behind a login and paywall. I can’t even access the data it was using. ChatGPT also included contact information.
Perplexity was a close second, but had a few glaring errors. Maybe you can spot where the errors are? When I first did this test, I was expecting Perplexity to be the most accurate. Perplexity is the AI tool I use most often. I find it usually provides better results than ChatGTP.
Gemini and Co-Pilot were on the same level. Co-Pilot’s description was correct. I did write for The Motley Fool, although I no longer do. Gemini split me out into several different people. Interesting, Gemini was the only tool that did not provide source links for where it came up with the information.
Gemini and Co-Pilot felt more like a quick internet search. The same information you’d get form reading the first page of a Google search. ChatGPT and Perplexity attempted to write a real response with research.
This was done as an interesting experiment. If you’re curious, I encourage you to try to the same. You may find some surprising things about your online persona. It’s also good practice to know what others see when they look you up. As we move more from search engines to AI engines, this will be come much more common.
Let me know in the comments if you do try this experiment or if you find anything interesting. I’m also curious about how other AI tools might handle the data. If there are other tools you’d like me to try for this post, let me know.