Google Dials Down AI Overviews Feature Amid Challenges
Google's ambitious AI Overviews feature in Search has hit some turbulence, prompting the tech giant to significantly reduce its presence and visibility.
Declining Visibility
Recent data from BrightEdge reveals a sharp decline in the appearance of AI Overviews:
- Overall presence dropped from 11% to 7% of search queries
- Education-related queries saw AI Overviews fall from 26% to 13%
- Entertainment queries plummeted from 14% to nearly 0%
- E-commerce searches decreased from 26% to 9%
Shrinking Footprint
Even when AI Overviews do appear, they're taking up less space on search result pages:
- AI Overview snippets are now 13% smaller on average
- Google is working to prevent information duplication between AI Overviews and traditional search results
Controversial Beginnings
The scaling back comes after a rocky launch earlier this year:
- Users reported misleading and potentially dangerous information in AI-generated summaries
- One notable example included the AI suggesting adding glue to pizza recipes
Strategic Shifts
Google appears to be refining its approach to AI Overviews:
- Reducing reliance on user-generated content from sites like Reddit and Quora
- Focusing on specific query types (e.g., Best, What is, How to, Symptoms of)
- Avoiding AI Overviews for lifestyle, brand/product, and comparison searches
Apple Users Initially Excluded
Interestingly, Google initially blocked Apple's Safari users from accessing AI Overviews:
- The move was reportedly an attempt to persuade Safari users to switch to Chrome
- Google ultimately reversed this decision, making AI Overviews available across browsers
The Road Ahead
It remains unclear whether Google plans to permanently reduce AI Overviews or if this is a temporary measure while refining the technology. The company continues to navigate the challenges of integrating AI into its core search product while maintaining accuracy and user trust.