Google Rolls Out AI-Enhanced Search, Chatbot To Teenagers – Forbes
Google is expanding access to its experimental AI search features to include teenagers ages 13-17. … [+]
Google is expanding access to its experimental AI search features to include teenagers ages 13-17. The company announced the move on Thursday, opening up new capabilities to younger users after positive feedback from the group.
Not only will teens have access to Google’s SGE (Search Generative Experience) within Search results, but Google will also allow teens to query topics in a conversational style and receive responsive answers, much like interacting with an AI chatbot.
Starting this week, signed-in users within this demographic in the U.S. can register for Google’s Search Labs to try AI search on mobile and desktop.
Google states teens represent an important segment, as younger users have especially embraced conversational search in testing. The company found highest satisfaction among those aged 18-24.
This group also tends to use social media platforms, like Snap and Meta, as search engines, which poses a significant risk to Google’s business. Google noted in July that as much as 40% of Gen Z are using TikTok and Instagram for search. These companies have also been introducing generative AI experiences.
Google claims it has implemented additional guardrails to protect teens. These safeguards aim to prevent inappropriate or harmful content in AI responses. Google also strengthened protections around illegal substances, bullying, and other issues.
The company published an AI literacy guide for teens and parents focused on using the technology responsibly. Google plans to refine safeguards as it gathers more user feedback.
The Search Labs expansion mirrors Google’s steady integration of generative AI across products, like Maps and Translate. But risks persist around data privacy, misinformation and bias.
Parental controls and digital literacy initiatives seek to mitigate these concerns. But some argue teens should not use unproven AI systems until more safety measures exist.
“As we introduce this new technology to teens, we want to strike the right balance in creating opportunities for them to benefit from all it has to offer, while also prioritizing safety and meeting their developmental needs,” wrote Hema Budaraju, Google’s senior director of product management for search, in a blog post.
