Controversy Surrounds Google AI Overviews for Providing Inaccurate and Risky Responses
Google has found itself in hot water due to its AI Overviews feature, which has been giving incorrect and even dangerous answers to users’ queries. Despite including a disclaimer stating that Generative AI is experimental, Google’s AI-generated responses have received negative mainstream media coverage and sparked outrage on social media.
Several examples of these inaccurate and risky answers have been shared widely. For instance, Google described the health benefits of running with scissors and taking a bath with a toaster, both of which are obviously dangerous activities. Another example includes Google claiming that a dog has played in the NHL, which is clearly false. Additionally, Google suggested using non-toxic glue to make pizza sauce more tacky, a piece of advice that was traced back to an 11-year-old Reddit comment.
Perhaps one of the most controversial responses from Google’s AI Overviews was the claim that Barack Obama, the former President of the United States, is Muslim. This false statement perpetuates misinformation and demonstrates the potential harm that can be caused by inaccurate AI-generated responses.
Google has attempted to defend itself by stating that these terrible AI answers are “extremely rare queries” and do not represent most people’s experiences. However, this excuse seems weak considering that 15% of queries on Google are new and unique. It is not acceptable to provide ridiculous, dangerous, or inaccurate answers based on the rarity of a query.
By blaming the query itself, Google is avoiding taking responsibility for the flawed product it has created. This pattern of denying the evidence and asking users to reject what they can see with their own eyes is concerning and reminiscent of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, “1984.”
The implications of Google’s AI Overviews and Search having severe issues are significant. Trust in Google Search is eroding, which may lead users to seek alternative search engines. This erosion of trust can harm performance for advertisers and reduce organic traffic to websites. It is crucial for Google to address these fundamental flaws and work towards regaining users’ trust.
This is not the first time Google has faced such issues. In 2017, the company had to deal with problems related to featured snippets. The “One True Answer” problem showcased the dangers of relying solely on AI-generated responses, as they can often be inaccurate or misleading.
For those interested in following the worst examples of Google’s AI Overviews and search results, the Goog Enough Twitter account or the hashtag #googenough provide a glimpse into the flaws of Google’s AI system. While the creator of the account remains unknown, it was likely inspired by AJ Kohn’s article titled “It’s Goog Enough!”
In conclusion, Google’s AI Overviews have caused controversy and raised concerns about the accuracy and safety of the information provided by the company’s AI system. The trust in Google Search is eroding, which can have significant implications for advertisers and website traffic. It is crucial for Google to acknowledge the flaws in its AI system and work towards improving its accuracy and reliability.
