Google has announced that it is seeking to implement artificial intelligence (AI) technology, similar to Open AI’s ChatGPT that will give users short summaries of web page results.
Last May, Google introduced its experimental, AI-powered search engine known as Search Generative Experience (SGE). The service has since been available exclusively for users who sign up for Google Labs, a program where Google frequently tests its experimental features.
SGE will begin implementing a feature that will quickly summarize search results, thus removing the need for the user to click on results and find what they are looking for. The feature will eventually be available on Google’s web browser.
As reported by CNET, the new feature will, “use Google’s AI to generate a bulleted list of key points from information on the page you’re browsing. The feature is available in the Google App on both Android and iOS, and Google says it’s coming to Chrome in the days ahead. Google says this will work on some of the web pages you visit when you click the “generate” button at the bottom of the Google App. You’ll also see a list of questions the web page answers and be able to jump to parts of the page with the relevant information.”
In its announcement, Google explained that the AI technology will also be able to include pictures and videos from your search. For example, if a user wishes to search for a certain yoga pose, the AI technology can search through videos online and immediately give the user a tutorial video of the exact pose they are searching for.
“Our aim is to test how generative A.I. can help you navigate information online and get to the core of what you’re looking for even faster,” Google said in its announcement.
Many news outlets have expressed resentment toward this new technology. Publications like The New York Times, for example, operate using a paywall and an AI-powered summary would be a violation of their terms of service.
Google’s summarization of search results would also remove the incentive for users to click on an article link, thus removing page views from that publication. While this can be seen as convenient and a time-saver for users quick to find information, it can have significant concerns in regard to bias. Do users have confidence that Google will fairly and adequately summarize information online?
In the wake of the successful implementation of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, numerous tech companies have quickly embraced the integration of AI technology into their products and services. As AI continues to shape our digital landscape, these advancements signify a new era of user interaction with technology.
