Google has been a core part of how we access information online, and its latest update is set to change the game once again. In Australia, where Google powers roughly 94% of search queries, the rollout of AI Overviews by October 2024 is having a noticeable impact on how information is summarised and served up.
Every day, millions of Australians type in everything from everyday questions—like, “How to inspect a used car?”—to more complex queries. At the start of 2024, Google delivered a traditional list of links. But by the end of the year, users started seeing AI-generated summaries that collect insights from several sources and present them in a friendly, conversational manner.
These streamlined summaries are designed to offer a quick snapshot of multiple perspectives, though they’re not without their quirks. For instance, early versions of the AI offered odd advice, suggesting you might eat rocks or use glue on pizza. While these mistakes highlight the challenges of distinguishing fact from satire, they also remind us how technology, even when well-intentioned, can sometimes miss the mark.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by unreliable online information, you’re not alone. Research shows that these AI systems sometimes produce what experts call ‘hallucinations’—errors that can misrepresent facts, especially in sensitive areas like health or finance. To boost credibility, Google now ties its AI summaries to the original sources. Even so, some instances still slip through where the cited source doesn’t exactly back up the AI’s claim.
The shift in how we search is clear. Instead of stuffing keywords, more people are now asking natural language questions. This adjustment not only influences user experience but also shakes up traditional SEO practices by changing how website traffic is directed. Moreover, with 43% of AI Overview links sending users back to Google, the company’s grip on the market seems tighter than ever—even as the integration of advertising injects further debate about neutrality and bias.
Luckily, if you prefer the old-school search experience, there are workarounds. You can switch to the ‘Web’ tab or add a simple suffix like ‘-ai’ to your query. Some users are even trying out alternatives like Bing or DuckDuckGo, which still steer clear of these AI-generated summaries.
In this fast-evolving digital landscape, it’s wise to stay informed about the strengths and limits of AI-driven summaries. They can be great for quick facts, but when you’re after a deeper understanding, checking the source links remains essential.
