Google is Testing its AI-only Search Results Feature, AI Overview.

Google is doubling down on AI-powered search, expanding its AI Overviews feature and introducing an experimental AI Mode designed to offer more in-depth answers, reasoning, and comparisons. Powered by Gemini 2.0, these updates aim to make search results smarter and more intuitive. But not everyone is convinced this is a step in the right direction.

The AI Overviews feature announced by Google, which provides quick AI-generated summaries at the top of search results, is now rolling out to more users, including teens and those who aren’t signed into a Google account. It’s designed to help with complex queries, such as coding questions or advanced math problems. However, some users have pointed out that these AI-generated responses can still be incomplete, factually incorrect, or completely off the mark. While Google is working to refine its AI’s accuracy, there’s still skepticism about whether these answers can truly be trusted, especially for important or nuanced topics.

Google’s new AI Mode takes things a step further. Unlike traditional search, which returns a list of links, AI Mode is designed to break down multi-step questions, compare options, and even let users ask follow-up queries for deeper insights. For example, if you’re trying to compare sleep trackers like smart rings, smartwatches, and tracking mats, AI Mode will analyze and structure the information in a way that makes it easier to digest. Over time, Google plans to introduce visual responses, including images and videos, to enhance the experience.

While Google pitches these AI-driven features as a way to make search more useful, there’s growing concern about what this means for the future of the internet. Some critics worry that by relying too heavily on AI-generated content, Google could be contributing to a “dead internet”—one where AI-created material dominates, drowning out human-made content.

Publishers and content creators have even bigger concerns. With AI Overviews providing direct answers on the search page itself, many worry that users will no longer click through to original sources, cutting off valuable web traffic. This could have a devastating impact on independent websites, news organizations, and bloggers who depend on search-driven visitors to survive.

Google is still testing AI Mode in Labs, with early access for Google One AI Premium subscribers. As the company gathers feedback, it remains to be seen whether these AI-powered search features will truly enhance the experience or reshape the way people interact with information—for better or worse.

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