Are AI tools worth it? A comparison🧠

For the past couple of weeks, I have been exploring artificial intelligence tools for productivity improvements. Since so many apps and platforms promise to save time and work smarter, I wanted to find out which ones really live up to that promise. I will discuss the comparison of three popular AI tools: ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Notion AI. From my own experience, I have had the chance to use these three tools for when it comes to academics and other daily tasks. I will rate them based on usability, accuracy, and efficiency and discuss my main takeaways from each one.

🔧The tools I tested

ChatGPT: I use this as a brainstorming assistant, study aid, and sometimes even a writing partner when it comes to correcting grammar. It answers my questions especially with math/science based courses and gives me ideas whenever I am stuck.

Grammarly: This was important in writing by checking for grammatical errors, improving tone and getting rid of unnecessary wording within my writing. It is most used when composing essays, emails, and assignments.

Notion AI: This is integrated right into the Notion workspace. It helps summarize lecture notes, set up to-do lists, and creates drafts for paragraphs. I used it for organizing my project ideas and keeping track of assignments, exams and overall due dates. The only issue was understanding how to use it at first, so I had to watch a few videos on how to navigate though this app.

The AI that most impressed me as the most versatile would be ChatGPT. I have used it in many areas such as brainstorming ideas, using it as a study tool for upcoming exams and getting feedback on my writing. ChatGPT is very conversational and this is why it is my favorite tool. Using it feels very natural and easy as I could ask for follow-ups, rephrase sentences, or ask for examples and explanations when I am confused. At times I did notice that sometimes it misses the mark with generic answers, or it would give me answers that were not fully accurate. However, I always know how important it is to cross-reference any important facts that I find using ChatGPT, so this isn’t an issue for me.

I also enjoyed Grammarly, which helps me refine my writing. It pretty much works in the background as I type and gave me real-time suggestions were provided for grammar, clarity, and tone. This made a real difference to ensure the best writing and almost feels like it saves more time because it works as I work. It gives me feedback relative to the goals I was trying to reach. For example, formal suggestions when it came to school work versus suggestions for friendly tones when it came to emails. I didn’t feel as if my voice was changed too much which made me feel like I always had someone by my side, helping me edit instead of a tool that completely takes over my writing.

Notion AI was very good in putting things into perspective and shaping them. Most of the time, I would turn to it for summarizing notes and making outlines for my classes. It helped me reword things and create clear, aesthetic to-do lists that were easy to follow. Nevertheless, it did have a few limits. It usually gave me vague suggestions did not add any value. But even with this issue, I perceive this built-in AI assistant is just a huge convenience, so I am grateful.

When comparing all three AI tools, ChatGPT would be my #1 as it is the most versatile and easiest to use.

My final thoughts

AI is not here to do everything for us because it’s only here to make what we are already doing easy, quick, and more enjoyable. Cutting down proofreading, assisting in brainstorming sessions, or organizing the week is something that helps me feel productive and motivated. It is important to not view it in a way where it “does everything for you” but rather as an assistant; someone who is there to assist you and your tasks.