Google Launches AI-Powered Search Experience for Teen Users

Google Expands AI-Powered Search to Teens

Google is launching its AI-powered search experience for U.S. teenagers aged 13 to 17. This decision follows positive feedback from young adults aged 18 to 24 who tested the Search Generative Experience (SGE), highlighting a trend of younger users being more receptive to AI technology.

SGE, a feature of Google Search Labs since late May, is integrating new context pages to clarify generated responses and the individual web links included. To ensure a safer experience, Google has introduced enhanced safeguards against inappropriate or harmful content, addressing issues such as illegal substances and bullying based on expert consultations in teen development. The company is committed to ongoing feedback and collaboration with specialists to refine SGE for teen users.

Beginning today, Google will also implement an “About this result” tool within SGE responses, enabling users to understand how the AI arrives at its conclusions. In the near future, this feature will extend to individual URLs within AI-generated answers, providing greater transparency regarding the web pages supporting the information.

To assist users in navigating generative AI, Google has released an AI Literacy Guide. This guide serves as an introduction to SGE and related projects like Bard, offering helpful tips, FAQs, and insights into the capabilities and limitations of AI.

Additionally, Google is making targeted improvements to address inaccurate or offensive content produced by its AI. An update is being rolled out to enhance the AI's ability to detect "hallucinations" or inappropriate responses. The company is also employing large language models to critique and refine initial outputs, ensuring better quality and safety.

As stated by Google, “Generative AI can help younger people ask questions they typically wouldn’t get answered by traditional search engines and encourage them to explore complex topics.” The goal is to create meaningful opportunities for teens while prioritizing their safety and developmental needs.