In recent years, Google has gradually integrated artificial intelligence into its search functionalities. From the introduction of AI Overviews to the launch of AI Mode and, most recently, a customized search interface, the tech giant heralds this as one of the most significant transformations of its search engine in two decades.
Nonetheless, this evolution has elicited mixed reactions, with numerous users expressing a desire for an unadulterated search experience, untainted by AI-generated responses.
Regrettably, Google provides no official option to deactivate its AI features in Search, proclaiming AI Overviews as an essential aspect of its service, akin to knowledge panels that remain inescapable.
However, there exist strategies to mitigate or circumvent AI Overviews within Google Search. Herein lies the guidance we have discovered to assist users.
How to turn off AI in Google Search:
Add “-AI” to your queries:
A straightforward method to eliminate AI Overviews from your search results is by appending ‘-AI’ to your query.
For instance, you might conduct a search like ‘best gaming laptop 2026 -AI’ or ‘how to bake pizza -AI,’ and this approach extends to various terminologies.
This technique operates effectively due to Google Search’s long-standing support for search modifiers or operators, enabling advanced users to refine their online inquiries with precision.
As an example, the “site:” operator allows users to filter results to a specific website, while the “filetype:” operator assists in pinpointing particular document formats, such as PDFs or Excel spreadsheets.
The -AI modifier operates on a similar principle. By using a minus sign before a term, it instructs Search to exclude results linked to that keyword wherever feasible.
Although this strategy may not universally apply, it should significantly decrease the occurrence of AI Overviews in your search results.
Activate Web filter
Another option available through Google to minimize its AI features in Search is the Web filter.
By enabling the Web filter, users can eliminate AI Overviews, shopping modules, knowledge panels, and other AI-generated distractions, redirecting them to the traditional search results page replete with various links sequentially.
To activate the Web filter, simply perform a standard Google search. In the Search bar, where options like Images, Videos, or News are displayed, click on ‘More’ and select Web. You should now enjoy a return to a more traditional web search experience.
Transition to an alternative search engine:
Another viable method to escape the pervasiveness of AI-centric features in Google Search is to transition to a different search engine entirely. A privacy-centric alternative is DuckDuckGo, which similarly features an AI-like function dubbed ‘Search Assist.’
The notable distinction, however, is that DuckDuckGo permits users to completely disable its AI functionalities with a single toggle.
If you seek an experience akin to Google Search, consider trying Brave Search, which utilizes an independent web index rather than exclusively relying on results from other search platforms.
While Brave has introduced its version of AI Overviews, known as “Answer with AI,” users can easily disable this feature within their Search settings.
Source link: Livemint.com.
