Google Introduces AI-Generated Summaries in Search Results
Google has recently launched a new feature called AI Overviews, which provides users with AI-generated summaries of search results for complex queries. These summaries aim to help users quickly understand information from various sources without having to click through multiple links.
When Will AI Overviews Appear?
AI Overviews appear for complex queries. You’ll find AI Overviews in your Google Search results when our systems determine that generative AI can be especially helpful–for example, when you want to quickly understand information from a range of sources.
According to Mallory De Leon, a Google spokesperson, the AI Overviews feature is triggered when the search engine determines that generative AI can be particularly useful in providing a concise summary of information from multiple sources. During initial tests, the summaries appeared for both simple and complex queries.
The Technology Behind AI Overviews
The AI Overview feature is powered by a customized version of Google’s AI model, supplemented with aspects of the company’s Search system, such as the Knowledge Graph, which contains billions of general facts.
Accessing Source Links
For some AI Overview answers, the webpage links are immediately visible. For others, users need to click “Show more” to see the sources of the information.
Concerns and Safeguards
One of the main concerns surrounding this feature is the potential for inaccurate or misleading information. To address this, Google has implemented built-in guardrails to prevent low-quality or harmful information from surfacing. The AI Overviews are designed to highlight information that can be easily verified by the supporting information provided.
However, users are still encouraged to click through the webpage links to double-check the accuracy of the information, although it’s unlikely that many users, who are often seeking quick answers, will invest extra time in reviewing the source material for Google’s AI-generated answer.
Exposing Billions to AI-Generated Text
While AI tools like ChatGPT are popular in Silicon Valley tech circles, the AI Overviews feature will likely expose billions of people who have never used a chatbot before to AI-generated text. Although AI Overviews are designed to save users time, they might lead to less trustworthy results.
5 Comments
Google’s AI has taken the wheel, and apparently we’re just along for the ride – buckle up!
Google’s AI insists on being your backseat driver, and it seems the off switch is just decorative!
Google’s AI has a mind of its own, deciding what you need before you even know you need it!
Google’s AI has locked the door and swallowed the key – no turning off, no escaping its choices for you!
Looks like Google’s AI plays the boss, deciding it knows what’s best for us, no opt-out necessary!