Don’t Google It

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the deterioration of Google's search engine, which was once a "glorious feature" that allowed users to find almost any information, but has now been compromised by SEO tactics, ads, and Google's own manipulation of search results. The article also covers the recent launch of Google's AI Overviews feature, which aims to provide AI-generated summaries of search results, but has been plagued by inaccurate and misleading information pulled from questionable sources like The Onion and Reddit. The article argues that this move by Google is reckless and could be dangerous, as many users trust Google as the primary source of information.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Decline of Google Search

1. What are the key factors that have contributed to the deterioration of Google's search engine?

• SEO gurus and growth hacking tactics
• Increased ads, targeted results, and sponsored positions
• Google's own manipulation of search results and monopolistic control over what is seen
• The fundamental concept of the best result being at the top has been dismantled

2. How has this affected the quality of search results?

• Search results can no longer be trusted, as users have to scroll through sponsored and gamed results to find the first genuine result
• The "just Google it" concept has been undermined

3. How has this led to people turning to AI chatbots as an alternative?

• The poor quality of Google search results has made people think that AI chatbots, which pull information from the same websites, are a better alternative.

[02] Google's AI Overviews

1. What is the concept behind Google's AI Overviews feature?

• When a user searches, Google's AI will provide a summary at the top of the results, so the user doesn't need to read any links.

2. What are the issues with the implementation of this feature?

• The AI is pulling information from unreliable sources, such as The Onion and Reddit, leading to the spread of disinformation.
• The AI is unable to distinguish between good and bad sources of information.
• The feature is being released before it is ready, with Google being "sloppy and too quick to press go."

3. What are the potential dangers of this feature?

• Many users trust Google as the primary source of information, and may take the AI-generated summaries as gospel without fact-checking.
• This could lead to people acting on inaccurate or dangerous information provided by the AI.

4. How has Google responded to the issues with this feature?

• Google has blamed users for trying to get the AI to mess up, claiming the queries are "uncommon," which the article argues is "total bullshit."

5. What does this say about the current state of AI and its implementation by tech companies?

• This is an example of companies desperately trying to use AI, regardless of whether it benefits the customer or not, in order to please shareholders and chase the AI hype.
• It is a "body blow" for AI's attempts to convince the public of its genuine technological benefits.