Google Search Overhauled by AI: What's Changed and How to Opt Out

A growing number of users are turning away from traditional search engines like Google in favor of AI-powered chatbots.

Using an AI chatbot instead of Google Search can have significant consequences for how we process information. For one, these platforms often prioritize plausibility over accuracy, rewriting complex information into simpler explanations that may be incomplete or taken out of context. Furthermore, the condensed summaries provided by chatbots eliminate the need to critically evaluate sources and assess credibility.

Google has also been incorporating AI-generated overviews into its search results, starting in May 2024. These pop-up summaries have drawn criticism from users who feel they’re unnecessary and may share incorrect data. Lance Ulanoff, a journalist with over 25 years of experience using Google Search, wrote that ‘there is simply no need to show AI Overviews when the current results are so good and accurate.’

Currently, there’s no setting on Google to disable these AI-generated summaries for every search. However, users can try adding ‘-ai’ to their query or clicking the ‘More’ tab under the search bar and selecting ‘Web’ to access a page with text-based links only. Alternatively, switching to a different search engine like DuckDuckGo No-AI or Brave may be an option.

Some platforms are taking steps to address user concerns about AI-powered features. For instance, Google’s Gemini-powered search summaries can be avoided by using alternative search engines that provide settings for disabling these overviews. By understanding the implications of relying on AI chatbots and exploring options for opting out, users can take control of their information-seeking habits.