Google has recently introduced a new feature called “AI Overview” that appears at the top of search results pages to provide concise answers to user queries. However, there have been instances of inaccuracies and questionable results produced by this AI, such as the insertion of diverse depictions of historical figures and incorrect information about certain events.
One example highlighted by The Washington Post was a search result claiming that the first inaugural ball took place at the “Dolley Madison Hotel” in Washington, DC, when it actually occurred at Long’s Hotel. Another search for the first TV show resulted in a general description of AI that was mostly correct, but with incorrect links to the history of television.
Google’s AI also failed to provide timely information on recent events, such as not knowing that the Academy Awards had already taken place and instead showing nominees and indicating that the ceremony was approaching. This could potentially mislead users who are looking for up-to-date information.
Despite these shortcomings, Google’s head of Search, Liz Reid, emphasized the benefits of using generative AI to streamline searches and provide users with more relevant information. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of AI-generated summaries on content websites that rely on traffic for revenue, as well as potential implications for Google’s ad revenue and sponsored results.
There are also concerns about AI “hallucinations,” where search results may produce misleading or fictional information. While Google acknowledges these challenges, Reid reassured users that the accuracy of AI results has improved significantly over the past year and encouraged users to verify information by clicking on the links provided next to the AI summaries.
In conclusion, while Google’s AI Overview feature aims to enhance the search experience by providing quick and relevant answers, there are still limitations and inaccuracies that need to be addressed. Users are advised to exercise caution and verify information from reliable sources when using AI-generated search results.
Article Source
https://sfist.com/2024/05/22/googles-ai-overview-gets-facts-wrong-is-worse-than-a-regular-search/