A social media post about Perplexity AI’s Comet browser completing an online course has stirred a wide discussion online, drawing reactions from users as well as from the company’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas.
The incident began when a web developer shared a video showing Comet automatically answering questions and completing a Coursera course. The situation drew particular attention because the course itself focused on AI Ethics, Responsibility, and Creativity. The individual claimed to have completed the course using the tool and thanked Perplexity, its CEO, and the Comet browser for enabling it.
The post quickly went viral, gaining over 300,000 views and triggering debates about AI’s growing influence in education. In response, Aravind Srinivas advised against using Comet in such a manner, emphasising that the tool was not intended to undermine learning or ethical standards. His reaction reflected growing concerns about how artificial intelligence can blur the line between assistance and misuse.
Absolutely don’t do this https://t.co/gwR2opE32r
— Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) October 8, 2025
Many social media users expressed a mix of curiosity and criticism. Some jokingly referred to the tool as a “Frankenstein’s monster” and asked when it would be available on other platforms. Others commented on the broader implications, suggesting that reliance on such AI tools might affect how companies evaluate talent in the future. A few users voiced concern that tools like Comet could erode the core purpose of education by allowing people to bypass genuine learning.
The episode has reignited conversations about responsible AI usage, particularly in contexts such as online education, where authenticity and ethical application are crucial. It also highlighted how easily advanced AI systems can be misused when boundaries and best practices are not clearly defined.
Who is Aravind Srinivas?
Aravind Srinivas, aged 31, is the co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, the company behind the Comet browser. Originally from Chennai, he recently became India’s youngest billionaire according to the Hurun India Rich List 2025, which estimated his net worth at Rs 21,190 crore. The report described his rise as symbolic of India’s transformation from a service-oriented economy to a deep-tech, product-driven ecosystem.
An alumnus of IIT Madras, Srinivas holds dual degrees in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Computer Science. Before founding Perplexity AI, he worked with prominent technology companies including OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind, gaining significant experience in artificial intelligence research.
In 2022, he co-founded Perplexity AI with Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. Under his leadership, the company has become a major player in the global AI landscape, with its innovations, like the Comet browser, sparking both admiration and debate about the future of AI ethics and education.