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- August 16, 2025
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Thinking Better in the Age of AI: Mastering the “Chain of Thought”
In today’s digital-first world, finding answers is easier than ever. With a simple query, search engines and AI tools deliver everything from trivia facts to full-blown strategy plans. But getting truly valuable answers isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about asking the right way. That’s where the idea of “Chain of Thought” (COT) comes in—a method of thinking and querying that unlocks deeper, more accurate insights from the tools we use every day.
Let’s break down how to think better in the age of Gemini and ChatGPT, what Chain of Thought really means, and how to use it for clearer, smarter problem-solving.
What Is a Search Engine—and What Should You Use It For?
Search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo are gateways to the web. They crawl billions of web pages and index them so users can retrieve relevant information with just a few keywords. They’re great when:
- You’re looking for facts, recent news, or product comparisons.
- You want to find published content, like blogs, research papers, or government data.
- You’re researching trending topics or current events.
✅ Example search engine queries:
- “Best electric vehicles under $40,000 in the U.S.”
- “Best productivity apps 2025”
- “Figma vs Adobe XD for UI design”
But here’s the catch: search engines rely on what’s already published. They don’t generate new insights or tailor responses unless someone has already written about it.
What Is AI—and What Should You Ask It?
AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini work differently. They don’t just fetch web pages—they generate responses based on patterns in vast datasets they’ve been trained on. Think of them as conversation partners that create rather than just retrieve.
You should turn to AI when:
- You need help brainstorming or ideating.
- You want to simplify or explain complex ideas.
- You’re looking for strategic advice, mock interviews, or even emotional perspective.
- You’re exploring multiple possibilities or building something new.
✅ Example AI questions:
- “Explain how inflation impacts student loans in simple terms.”
- “How do I prepare for a digital marketing interview focused on branding?”
- “Explain the SALT deduction in simple terms with examples.”
This is where the power of Chain of Thought becomes invaluable.
So, What Is Chain of Thought (COT)?
Chain of Thought is a thinking technique where you break down complex reasoning step-by-step. In the context of AI or problem-solving, it means asking in a way that encourages layered, logical thinking instead of jumping to conclusions.
Rather than saying:
“How can I increase website traffic?”
You’d ask:
“First, tell me what factors influence website traffic. Then, help me prioritize actions for a blog with low domain authority and low engagement. Finally, suggest a 3-month plan.”
This multi-step, layered prompt activates the AI’s ability to reason more effectively—just like a human would when thinking through a challenge.
Why Chain of Thought Works
- Improved Clarity – You avoid vague or overly broad answers.
- Better Context – Each part builds on the previous one, so the AI tool you’re asking understands your real goal.
- Deeper Reasoning – You get not just “what” to do, but “why” and “how.”
More Examples of Chain of Thought Thinking
Here are some practical prompts where COT shines:
- “1. What factors do top colleges consider in applications?
2. How can I strengthen my GPA and extracurriculars during junior year?
3.Suggest a 12-month plan to prepare for SATs and build my application profile.”
- “Walk me through the pros and cons of investing in REITs vs direct property ownership. Then give me a sample portfolio mix based on a 35-year-old professional.”
- “Act like a personal finance coach. Break down how to build an emergency fund, then create a saving plan for someone making $55,000/year.”
- “Step-by-step, how do I buy my first home in the U.S. with an FHA loan? Then explain how mortgage insurance works.”
Each of these prompts encourages the AI to reason, pause, and think like a strategist.
Final Thoughts
In an age where we’re drowning in information, how we ask matters more than ever. Whether you’re searching Google or chatting with an AI, your ability to think—and prompt—clearly sets you apart.
Search engines are perfect for pulling up known data, facts, or external opinions.
AI is your tool for generating ideas, refining thinking, and solving open-ended problems.
Chain of Thought is the bridge between those tools and your brain.
Next time you find yourself typing into a search bar or prompt box, pause for a second. Think: Can I structure this question better? Can I guide the tool to reason with me? That’s the magic of Chain of Thought—and once you start using it, there’s no going back.
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