How tech companies like Meta and Google are increasingly adding AI features
While tech companies are engaged in fierce competition in the realm of artificial intelligence, consumers are beginning to feel overwhelmed by what some are calling "AI fatigue" – a growing irritation with AI functionalities that are thrust upon them without request.
"Maybe there's no need to flaunt AI capabilities unless the goal is to create a superficial sense of innovation," suggests Antony Cousins, an Executive Director overseeing AI Strategy at Cision. "Many companies seem to be engaging in a 'we have AI and our rivals don't' approach."
Cousins, an AI industry veteran with ten years of experience, advocates for the view that AI should be viewed as just one tool among many on a tech platform, rather than something that detracts from the user experience.
Social Media
Facebook and Instagram's recent introduction of the "Meta AI button" has replaced the mobile search function with an AI-driven recommendations feature and an AI image generator. While some users find the results to be inconsistent, there is currently no option to disable this feature. However, it can be muted through the app's settings or simply disregarded when it appears.
On the other hand, Google has started integrating "AI Overviews" into select search results pages. These overviews provide AI-generated summaries and key links at the top of the page. Although Google clarifies that this technology is still experimental and optional, users who prefer to search without AI summaries may find it requires extra clicks to bypass. Some browser extensions are available for users looking to "mute" these AI-generated results.
AI Recommendations and the Future
As more applications and platforms incorporate AI tools into their offerings, the methods to disable or opt-out of these tools vary. Cousins emphasizes that certain AI functions, like data-driven recommendations, have existed in simpler forms for years.
"We've grown accustomed to AI-powered recommendations on platforms like Netflix, whether we appreciate them or not. These features have been part of our digital experience for quite some time," notes Cousins.
It is evident that AI is becoming increasingly prominent, with generative AI playing a pivotal role in shaping our search results and social media content.
