Google · The Information · TechCrunch AI
Google updates AI search to include quotes from Reddit and other sources
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 2 outlets. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◎ Multiple-sources
Google is updating search to refine its AI experience by adding additional context to links, like excerpts from web forums and blogs, as well as a feature that highlights links from a user’s news subscriptions.
Key facts
- A recent New York Times analysis found that the AI Overviews were correct about nine times out of 10
- Though Google’s AI Overviews have improved significantly, they still, like anything powered by an LLM, are prone to hallucination
- But now Google is complicating the role of its AI Overviews
- Still, they'd recommend double-checking that the AI is not hallucinating the validity of these citations
Summary
While citing web forums and discussion boards can help users find answers to more niche queries, this design choice could also prove chaotic. Two years ago, Google overhauled its search experience to put AI front and center, when you search for something, Google will often summon an “AI Overview,” which has spurred mixed reception from users. Though Google’s AI Overviews have improved significantly, they still, like anything powered by an LLM, are prone to hallucination. Of course, not every search has an objective yes-or-no answer, which is why Google might want to pull in voices from web forums where people discuss such questions, there’s a reason why people often add “Reddit” to the end of their Google searches.