Buzz
Google users might have observed a new feature appearing at the top of their search results. AI Overviews is a trial feature that provides a summary of AI-generated responses. Some users are not fond of this, partly due to worries about the reliability of certain results. Although there's no direct way to disable AI Overviews, here are a few straightforward techniques to ensure your search results remain human-curated (or algorithm-driven).
Leverage Operator Codes
Operators are handy commands you can include in your search terms to refine results. You can explore a detailed guide on Operators, but to exclude AI Overviews, simply append “-AI” to your search query. For instance: How many words should a novel have -AI.
Another option is to add “&udm=14” to the URL of your Google search. This code instructs Google to display “web” results rather than “all” results, effectively excluding AI Overviews from your search outcomes.
Use the Web Filter Option
On a Google search results page, just below the search bar, you’ll typically see a row of filters such as “All,” “Images,” “Videos,” and “Web.” Choosing the Web option will eliminate AI Overviews from your results. However, this setting isn’t permanent, so you’ll need to select Web after each search.
Turn Off AI in Google Labs
For those who frequently use Google Labs (a platform for testing new search features), disabling AI Overviews is straightforward. Simply visit the Search Labs page and toggle the AI option off. Keep in mind that this change only applies to searches within Google Labs and won’t affect regular searches.
Utilize a Content Blocker
Content blockers are browser add-ons designed to automatically filter out unwanted content. There are numerous options available, including free tools like uBlock Origin, which can hide AI Overviews. Extensions such as this one, compatible with the “&udm=14” code mentioned earlier, can also help eliminate AI-generated results from your searches.
However, the method for restricting AI varies depending on the extension. Fortunately, you can find detailed instructions and step-by-step guides online tailored to the specific blocker you’re using.
Create a Custom Google Search Engine
In the Google Chrome browser, click the three dots in the top-right corner, go to Settings, and then navigate to Search Engine > Manage Search Engines and Site Search > Site Search.
Scroll down and select “Add” to set up a new search shortcut (you can name it anything you prefer). Then, paste the following URL into the designated field: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14
After clicking “Save,” locate your newly created search engine in the list below. By clicking the three dots, you’ll find an option to set it as your default search engine. Once activated, AI Overviews will no longer appear, allowing for a more streamlined and uninterrupted browsing experience.
