Google’s experimental Search Generative Experience (SGE) is facing intense scrutiny from experts in the field of artificial intelligence. The technology, designed to generate search results using AI, is being criticized for producing false information and even promoting harmful content.
Leading AI experts have echoed the age-old computer science adage: “garbage in, garbage out.” This sentiment underscores concerns about the quality of data used to train AI models, as the SGE’s outputs raise serious questions about its reliability.
Noted SEO expert Lily Ray brought to light some alarming instances of the SGE generating deeply troubling content. In a shocking case, the experimental feature defended the practice of human slavery, citing economic reasons and suggesting that enslaved individuals gained valuable skills during bondage. This revelation has drawn parallels to controversial educational standards in Florida.
Ray expressed her concern during her presentation, stating, “These are controversial in nature, and the idea of showing an AI-generated response is not great for society as a whole.”
Further examples showcased the SGE generating contentious results. It presented reasons why guns might be considered good, including the argument that carrying a firearm signals being a law-abiding citizen. Similarly, inquiries about religion and the afterlife yielded subjective opinions presented as fact, often with a Christian perspective.
Perhaps most disturbingly, when asked about effective leaders, Adolf Hitler appeared in the search results, prompting outrage and condemnation from Ray and others.
While Google’s SGE remains in beta mode, with testing conducted by engineers and voluntary participants like Lily Ray, the potential consequences of this technology becoming widespread are a cause for concern. The results, when seen by the public, including children, could perpetuate false beliefs and promote harmful ideologies.
Despite the pressure on Google to compete with industry rivals like Microsoft, the challenges of refining the SGE in the face of a multitude of controversial topics and biased information seem daunting. As Google continues to work on this AI-driven search tool, the world waits to see how these issues will be addressed in the pursuit of a safer and more reliable online experience.