Suppose you could…
Research a purchase without the rabbit hole
Build a thoughtful shortlist, compare the trade-offs and check the facts.
A useful little possibility.
Choosing a desk lamp shouldn’t require 23 browser tabs. You’ll turn vague preferences into a clear comparison checklist, then verify a small shortlist yourself. The goal is a better decision process, not blindly accepting a recommendation.
Let’s make a start.
Choose a low-stakes item you’re considering, or use a desk lamp as the example. Write down your budget, location and three things you care about.
Paste the prompt. Ask for criteria first, not product names. If your AI tool can browse, you can request current sources afterwards. If it can’t, use the checklist in your own browser.
Help me create a comparison checklist for a desk lamp. My priorities are a small footprint, adjustable brightness and low glare. Ask me up to three questions about constraints before suggesting criteria. Then create a simple table I can fill in for three options: dimensions, brightness controls, power type, warranty, current price, source URL, date checked and key trade-off. Do not invent current prices, availability, specifications or URLs. If you cannot browse, say so and leave those fields blank.
Keep personal and confidential information out of external AI tools. Start with the sample material.
Turn a first try into your thing.
Find two or three actual product pages. Fill the table with verified details and today’s date. Skip any criterion you cannot confirm.
Ask the AI to compare only the facts you supplied, flag missing information and explain which option best fits each priority. Save the table even if you decide not to buy anything.
Pause for the “aha.”
A tidy table is not proof that its contents are true. Check price, dimensions and return conditions on the seller or manufacturer’s current page. Search results and AI answers can be out of date.
Your criteria are the valuable part. A “best” choice only makes sense relative to your constraints.
One possibility leads to another.
Use the same process to compare free museum visits, library books or a weekend activity. Try asking: “What would make each option the wrong choice for me?”
Share your checklist, rather than presenting an unchecked AI recommendation as fact.
You tried something. That counts.
Keep a note of what you made or what surprised you. It stays in this browser.