AI Google Search Results: Accuracy, Environmental Impact, and Sentiment Analysis
In May 2024, Google introduced its AI Overview feature, which provides users with a summarized version of their search results. Our research aims to explore important aspects of this feature, including the accuracy of the information presented in AI-generated overviews, the environmental costs and effects of AI-generated responses, and how the AI overviews generally affect the way information is shared and understood. Some initial questions to consider: Do you find yourself relying on AI overviews out of convenience, or do you try to bypass it? If you have concerns about AI, how have you avoided using it?
Please indicate your current and most relevant role:
Student
Staff
Employed
Faculty
Self-employed
Un-employed
Other
The image below shows an example of a AI Overview result.
On a scale of 1-5, what was your initial reaction when you first noticed Google AI Overviews?
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1 (strongly disliked)
2 (disliked)
3 (neutral)
4 (liked)
5 (strongly liked)
How frequently do you interact with the AI Overview?
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I use it regularly, almost every time I search.
I interact with it occasionally, but not with every search.
I rarely interact with it; I usually ignore it.
I’ve never really used the AI Overview feature.
Has AI Overview changed how you use Google? Explain here:
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Do you trust AI Overviews as much as traditional search results?
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Yes, I most often trust the results.
Yes, but only sometimes.
No, never.
Explain why or why not.
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Have you encountered any misleading or incorrect information in an AI Overview?
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Yes
No
I am unsure
Do you fact check your AI Overview results?
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Yes, always.
Only sometimes.
No, I don't.
I do not read the AI Overview results.
When researching a topic, do you prefer AI-generated summaries or manually checking multiple sources? Choose the option that best reflects your approach:
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I prefer AI-generated summaries because they save time and provide quick insights.
I usually check multiple sources manually to get a more comprehensive understanding.
It depends on the topic; I rely on AI summaries for simple questions, but I prefer checking multiple sources for more complex questions.
I tend to use AI-generated summaries as a starting point, but I still cross-check with more sources.
I mostly check multiple sources manually because I trust them more than AI-generated content.
Do you feel like you have control over whether or not you engage with AI Overviews? Choose the option that best reflects your opinion:
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Yes, I feel completely in control and can easily choose whether to engage or not.
Yes, I have control, but sometimes the AI Overviews are so prominent that I engage with them by default.
I feel somewhat in control, though sometimes I end up engaging without actively deciding.
No, I don’t feel like I have full control; the AI Overviews appear regardless of my preference.
I don’t really pay attention to whether I have control over it or not.
Have you thought about the environmental impact of AI-generated search results?
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Yes
No
If so, what are your concerns?
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Would knowing more about the energy consumption of AI models change how you engage with Google’s AI features?
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Yes
No
I am unsure
How do you feel about your personal responsibility to the environment regarding the use of AI tools when there is no opt-out for Google AI Overviews? If you do not feel a personal responsibility, please state that here:
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If you have any additional thoughts regarding your experience with AI Overviews, share them below.
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