With the rise of artificial intelligence in search engines, many users are noticing a new feature popping up in their search results—AI-generated overviews. These summaries, often positioned at the top of the page, provide quick answers or content previews generated by large language models. While convenient for some, others find them intrusive, inaccurate, or disruptive to their search experience.

If you're wondering how to remove or bypass AI-generated overviews in your search results, you’re not alone. As an AI Consultant Cambridge Canada, we’ve received growing inquiries from individuals and businesses who prefer traditional search listings or are concerned about the impact of AI-generated content on their visibility.

Here’s a breakdown of what these overviews are, why they exist, and how to reduce or avoid them.

What Are AI-Generated Overviews?

AI-generated overviews are summaries created by search engines (like Google’s SGE or Bing’s AI Snapshots) using generative AI models. These overviews attempt to provide immediate answers, combining content from various sources to display a synthesized result at the top of the page.

While these summaries aim to improve user experience, they often raise concerns, such as:

  • Misinformation or inaccuracy

  • Lack of source attribution

  • Reduced organic traffic to websites

  • Over-simplification of complex topics

Why Are They Being Displayed?

Search engines integrate AI-generated overviews to:

  • Reduce search time

  • Provide concise answers

  • Increase engagement with the AI model

But from a business or user perspective, this doesn’t always align with how we want to interact with content. As an AI Consultant Cambridge Canada, we stress the importance of transparency and user control in AI-powered platforms.

How to Get Rid of AI-Generated Overviews (or Work Around Them)

While there’s no permanent "off" switch yet for AI overviews, here are practical steps to minimize or avoid them:

1. Use Alternative Search Engines

If AI overviews frustrate your experience:

  • Switch to DuckDuckGo or StartPage, which prioritize privacy and traditional search results.

  • Use Brave Search, which currently does not display AI-generated overviews by default.

2. Use Search Modifiers

To bypass AI summaries, add modifiers like:

  • "site:" (e.g., site:nytimes.com climate change)

  • "inurl:", "intitle:" or "filetype:" to get specific results

These advanced operators often return classic listings instead of AI responses.

3. Use Browser Extensions or Ad Blockers

Some browser extensions or custom filters (like uBlock Origin) can be configured to hide specific page elements, including AI sections in Google Search or Bing.

4. Submit Feedback to Search Engines

Major search platforms include a feedback option next to AI overviews. Use this to report:

  • Irrelevant or inaccurate content

  • Preference for traditional listings

  • Concern over misattribution or data sources

Consistent feedback may influence future updates.

5. Sign Out or Use Incognito Mode

Some AI features are personalized. Browsing in incognito mode or signing out of your account may reduce the frequency of AI overviews.

For Businesses: How to Respond Strategically

If you’re a business seeing reduced traffic due to AI overviews, consider this:

  • Optimize for featured snippets – These often feed AI summaries.

  • Use structured data/schema markup – Helps AI interpret your content accurately.

  • Diversify your digital presence – Relying solely on Google organic may no longer be viable. Use social media, email marketing, and owned platforms.

Working with an AI Consultant Cambridge Canada can help businesses adapt their SEO and content strategies in an AI-dominated search environment.

Final Thoughts

AI-generated overviews are part of a broader shift in how people access information online. While these tools can be helpful, they’re not always welcome or accurate. Fortunately, you can take steps to limit your exposure to them and tailor your search experience.

If you’re a business or user looking for personalized strategies to manage AI impacts in search, partnering with a trusted AI Consultant Cambridge Canada can help you stay informed, protected, and competitive in this evolving digital space.

Need expert guidance navigating AI in search and digital marketing?
Contact our AI Consultant Cambridge Canada team for personalized solutions tailored to your business or browsing preference